United States Patent 6,288,095: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 6,288,095, titled "Compounds," is a patent that has significant implications in the fields of pharmaceuticals and biomedical research. This patent, issued to treat certain medical conditions, provides a comprehensive look into the world of patent claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Patent Number: US6288095B1
- Authority: United States
- Publication Date: October 11, 2001
- Application Number: US08/358,327
- Prior Art Date: February 10, 1995[4][5].
Patent Description
The patent describes compounds, particularly those related to thiazolidinediones, which are used in the treatment of various medical conditions. These compounds are known for their therapeutic effects, especially in regulating appetite and food intake, and in the treatment of certain eating disorders and cardiovascular diseases[4][5].
Scope of the Patent
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects:
- Independent Claims: These claims define the broadest scope of the invention. For example, Claim 1 might describe a specific compound or a class of compounds with particular structural features.
- Dependent Claims: These claims narrow down the scope by adding additional limitations to the independent claims. For instance, a dependent claim might specify a particular method of synthesizing the compound or a specific use of the compound[4].
Claim Analysis
To understand the scope, it is crucial to analyze each claim individually and in relation to the dependent claims.
- Claim 1: Typically, this is the broadest claim and sets the foundation for the invention. It might describe a general formula for the compounds.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims by adding specific details such as the substitution of certain groups, the method of preparation, or the specific use of the compound.
Patent Claims Research Dataset
For a deeper analysis, the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can be useful. This dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents granted between 1976 and 2014 and U.S. patent applications published between 2001 and 2014. It includes claim-level statistics and document-level statistics, which can help in understanding the scope and trends of patent claims[3].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to look at related patents and applications. Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and the Global Dossier can be used to identify patent families and related applications filed at participating IP Offices.
- Global Dossier: This service allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices, along with the dossier, classification, and citation data[1].
International Patent Offices
Searching international patent databases is crucial to ensure that the invention is novel and non-obvious globally.
- European Patent Office (EPO): The esp@cenet network provides access to Europe's patent databases and includes machine translations for some languages[1].
- Japan Patent Office (JPO): Similar to the EPO, the JPO provides access to Japanese patents with machine translations[1].
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): The PATENTSCOPE® Search Service offers a full-text search of published international patent applications and includes machine translations for some documents[1].
Prior Art and Citation Analysis
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (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].
Prior Art Keywords
Analyzing prior art keywords such as "amino," "methyl," "complex," and "thiazolidinedione" can provide insights into the existing technological landscape and help in identifying potential overlaps or innovations[4].
Legal Status and Expiration
Current Status
The patent US6288095B1 has expired, as indicated by its legal status. This means that the exclusive rights granted by the patent are no longer in effect, and the invention is now in the public domain[4][5].
Practical Implications
Public Domain
With the patent having expired, the compounds and methods described can now be freely used, manufactured, and sold without infringing on the original patent. This can lead to increased competition and potentially lower prices for related products.
Research and Development
Researchers and developers can build upon the knowledge disclosed in the patent without needing to obtain a license. This can accelerate innovation in related fields.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The scope of US6288095B1 is defined by its claims, which include specific compounds and methods for their use.
- Claims Analysis: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is crucial for determining the patent's scope.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes related patents and applications globally.
- Prior Art: Analyzing prior art and citations helps in understanding the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, making the invention public domain.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 6,288,095?
A: The main subject is compounds, particularly thiazolidinediones, used in treating certain medical conditions such as eating disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
Q: How can I analyze the scope of the patent?
A: Analyze the independent and dependent claims to understand the scope. Use tools like the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset for deeper insights.
Q: Is the patent still in effect?
A: No, the patent has expired, and the invention is now in the public domain.
Q: What are the implications of the patent's expiration?
A: The expiration means that the compounds and methods described can be freely used, manufactured, and sold without infringing on the original patent.
Q: How can I find related patents and applications?
A: Use tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases such as those provided by the EPO, JPO, and WIPO.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - WO2004096237A2: https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2004096237
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US6288095B1: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6288095B1/en
- Unified Patents - US-6288095-B1: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-6288095-B1
