Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,623,744: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for inventors, businesses, and legal professionals. This article delves into the details of United States Patent 6,623,744, titled "Stable Hydroalcoholic Compositions," to provide a thorough analysis of its claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
Title and Assignees
United States Patent 6,623,744, assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Co., is titled "Stable Hydroalcoholic Compositions." This patent was granted on September 23, 2003, with a priority date of June 22, 1995[5].
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
The patent includes a series of claims that define the scope of the invention. Claims can be independent or dependent, with dependent claims building upon the independent claims. For US Patent 6,623,744, the claims are structured to cover various aspects of the stable hydroalcoholic compositions, including their formulation, properties, and applications.
Independent Claims
Independent claims are the broadest claims in a patent and define the core invention. For example, Claim 1 might describe the basic composition of the stable hydroalcoholic solution, including the types and proportions of ingredients such as alcohols, stabilizers, and other additives.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding specific details or limitations to the independent claims. These could include specific concentrations of ingredients, methods of preparation, or particular uses of the composition.
Scope of the Invention
Technical Field
The patent falls under the technical field of chemistry, specifically in the area of formulations and compositions. The invention pertains to stable hydroalcoholic compositions that are resistant to phase separation and degradation, making them suitable for various applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products.
Key Components
The stable hydroalcoholic compositions described in the patent typically include a mixture of alcohols (such as ethanol or isopropanol), stabilizers (like polymers or surfactants), and other additives (such as preservatives or fragrances). The specific combination and proportions of these components are critical to the stability and effectiveness of the composition[5].
Patent Landscape
Technology Areas and Trends
The USPTO classifies patents into various technology areas for comparative analysis. Patents related to chemistry and compositions, like US Patent 6,623,744, fall under categories such as "Chemistry" or "Pharmaceuticals" within the broader classification system of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Industry Impact
Patents in the chemical and formulation sectors can have significant industry impact. For instance, stable hydroalcoholic compositions are crucial in the development of products that require long shelf life and stability, such as skincare products, disinfectants, and pharmaceutical formulations. Companies like 3M, which holds this patent, play a pivotal role in advancing these technologies through research and development (R&D)[1].
Legal Considerations
Patent Eligibility
Patent eligibility is a critical aspect of patent law, as seen in cases like Contour IP Holding LLC v. GoPro, Inc.. The Supreme Court's "Alice" test is used to determine whether patent claims are directed to abstract ideas or natural phenomena, which are not patentable. For chemical compositions, the focus is on whether the claims describe a specific, novel, and non-obvious invention that improves upon existing technology[2].
Infringement and Litigation
Patent infringement cases can be complex and often involve detailed analysis of the claims and the accused products. In the context of US Patent 6,623,744, any alleged infringement would need to be evaluated based on whether the accused product falls within the scope of the claims as defined by the patent[2].
Data and Statistics
Patent Activity
The USPTO awards a significant number of patents annually, with a substantial portion going to businesses. In 2018, for example, the USPTO granted 309,000 utility patents, with businesses receiving 85% of these patents. This highlights the importance of patents in driving innovation and competition in various industries, including the chemical and formulation sectors[1].
Research Datasets
The USPTO provides detailed datasets on patent claims and scope, which can be used to analyze trends and patterns in patenting. These datasets include information on claims from US patents granted between 1976 and 2014, offering insights into the evolution of patent claims and their impact on different technological fields[3].
Practical Applications
Industrial Use
Stable hydroalcoholic compositions have widespread industrial applications. They are used in the manufacture of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products. The stability and effectiveness of these compositions make them essential for ensuring the quality and shelf life of these products.
Research and Development
Companies like 3M invest heavily in R&D to develop new and improved formulations. The data from the NCSES Business R&D Survey shows that firms in high R&D industries, such as the computer and electronics manufacturing industry, also report high levels of patenting activity. This underscores the importance of patents in protecting and promoting innovation[1].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Claims: The claims of US Patent 6,623,744 define the scope of the stable hydroalcoholic compositions, including their formulation and properties.
- Technical Field: The patent falls under the chemistry and formulations technical field.
- Industry Impact: The patent has significant implications for industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products.
- Legal Considerations: Patent eligibility and infringement are critical legal aspects that must be considered.
- Data and Statistics: The USPTO provides extensive datasets that can be used to analyze patent trends and patterns.
FAQs
What is the main subject of US Patent 6,623,744?
The main subject of US Patent 6,623,744 is stable hydroalcoholic compositions, specifically their formulation and properties.
Who is the assignee of US Patent 6,623,744?
The assignee of US Patent 6,623,744 is 3M Innovative Properties Co.
What are the key components of the stable hydroalcoholic compositions described in the patent?
The key components include a mixture of alcohols, stabilizers, and other additives such as preservatives or fragrances.
How do patents like US Patent 6,623,744 impact industry?
Patents like US Patent 6,623,744 drive innovation and competition by protecting novel and non-obvious inventions, which are crucial for the development of products with long shelf life and stability.
What legal tests are used to determine the eligibility of patent claims?
The Supreme Court's "Alice" test is used to determine whether patent claims are directed to abstract ideas or natural phenomena, which are not patentable.
Sources
- Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends - National Science Foundation.
- CONTOUR IP HOLDING LLC v. GOPRO, INC. - United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - United States Patent and Trademark Office.
- Search for patents - United States Patent and Trademark Office.
- WO-1997048322-A1 - Unified Patents Portal.
