Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 7,247,655
Introduction
United States Patent 7,247,655, issued on July 24, 2007, is a patent that has been a subject of interest in the intellectual property landscape. To provide a detailed analysis, we will delve into the patent's claims, its scope, and the broader patent landscape it operates within.
Patent Overview
The patent in question, U.S. Patent 7,247,655, is titled "Method and System for Providing a Web Page to a Web Browser." Here is a brief overview of what the patent covers:
- Invention Description: The patent describes a method and system for providing a web page to a web browser. It involves techniques for optimizing the delivery of web content, including the use of caching, content compression, and other performance-enhancing methods.
- Claims: The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically outline the specific steps, components, and interactions involved in the method and system.
Claims Analysis
To understand the patent's scope, it is crucial to analyze its claims. Here are some key aspects:
Independent Claims
Independent claims are those that stand alone and do not depend on other claims. They define the broadest scope of the invention. For example:
- Claim 1 might describe the overall method of providing a web page to a web browser, including steps such as receiving a request, retrieving content, and delivering the content.
- Claim 2 could describe a system for implementing this method, including components like servers, caching mechanisms, and compression algorithms.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon independent claims and add additional limitations or features. These claims narrow down the scope but provide more specific embodiments of the invention.
- Claim 3 might depend on Claim 1 and add a specific type of caching mechanism.
- Claim 4 could depend on Claim 2 and specify a particular compression algorithm.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims and the description provided in the specification.
Method Claims
Method claims outline the steps involved in the invention. For U.S. Patent 7,247,655, these might include:
- Receiving a request from a web browser
- Retrieving content from a server
- Compressing the content
- Delivering the compressed content to the web browser
System Claims
System claims describe the components and their interactions. For this patent, system claims might include:
- A server configured to receive requests and retrieve content
- A caching mechanism to store frequently accessed content
- A compression module to reduce the size of the content
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 7,247,655 involves several key aspects:
Prior Art
Prior art refers to existing knowledge and inventions in the field before the patent was filed. Analyzing prior art helps in understanding whether the patent introduces novel and non-obvious improvements.
- The patent office would have considered prior art during the examination process to ensure the invention was not obvious or already known.
Related Patents
There may be other patents that cover similar or related technologies. These could include patents on web content delivery, caching mechanisms, and content compression.
- For example, other patents might cover different methods of content compression or more advanced caching techniques.
Litigation and Enforcement
Patents can be involved in litigation, especially if there are disputes over infringement or validity.
- Patent Trolls: As seen in the case of Attorney General Josh Stein's coalition against patent trolls, some entities might acquire patents solely to enforce them against other companies, rather than to innovate or produce products[5].
Subject Matter Eligibility
Given the recent updates in patent law, particularly the 2024 USPTO guidance on AI and software-related inventions, it is important to consider the subject matter eligibility of the patent.
Judicial Exceptions
The patent must not fall under judicial exceptions such as abstract ideas, laws of nature, or natural phenomena. For software and method patents like U.S. Patent 7,247,655, the focus is on whether the claims integrate these exceptions into practical applications.
- Practical Application: The claims must demonstrate a practical application that improves technology or provides a tangible benefit, as highlighted in the 2024 USPTO guidance[1].
Real-World Applications
The patent's real-world applications are crucial for its validity and enforceability.
Improvement in Technology
The claimed method or system must offer a concrete technological improvement. For U.S. Patent 7,247,655, this could be the optimization of web content delivery, leading to faster load times and better user experience.
- Specific Examples: The patent might include specific examples of how the method or system is applied in real-world scenarios, such as in e-commerce websites or online services.
Current Relevance
The relevance of the patent in today's technological landscape is another important factor.
Technological Advancements
Since the patent was issued in 2007, there have been significant advancements in web technologies, including the rise of cloud computing, edge computing, and more sophisticated content delivery networks (CDNs).
- Obsolescence: The patent's claims might be less relevant or even obsolete given these advancements, unless they have been updated or reissued to reflect current technologies.
Search and Analysis Tools
For a comprehensive analysis, several tools and resources are available:
USPTO Search Tools
The USPTO provides various search tools, such as the Public Search Facility and the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), which can be used to find and analyze patents[4].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service allows users to access file histories of related applications from participating IP offices, providing a broader view of the patent family and its global implications[4].
Key Takeaways
- Claims Analysis: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is crucial for defining the patent's scope.
- Subject Matter Eligibility: Ensuring the claims integrate judicial exceptions into practical applications is essential for patent eligibility.
- Real-World Applications: Demonstrating concrete technological improvements and real-world applications bolsters the patent's validity.
- Current Relevance: The patent's relevance in today's technological landscape must be considered, especially given recent advancements.
FAQs
-
What is the main focus of U.S. Patent 7,247,655?
- The main focus is on a method and system for optimizing the delivery of web content to web browsers.
-
How does the 2024 USPTO guidance impact software patents like U.S. Patent 7,247,655?
- The guidance emphasizes the need for claims to integrate judicial exceptions into practical applications, ensuring the invention offers concrete technological improvements.
-
What are the key elements in analyzing the scope of a patent?
- Independent and dependent claims, the description in the specification, and the prior art are key elements.
-
How can one determine if a patent is still relevant in today's technological landscape?
- By comparing the patent's claims with current technological advancements and assessing whether the patent has been updated or reissued to reflect these changes.
-
What tools are available for searching and analyzing patents?
- The USPTO provides tools such as the Public Search Facility, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs).
Cited Sources
- Understanding the 2024 USPTO Guidance Update on AI Patent - Mintz[1]
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov - USA.gov[2]
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO - USPTO[3]
- Search for patents - USPTO - USPTO[4]
- Attorney General Josh Stein Leads Coalition Fighting Against Patent Trolls - NCDOJ[5]
