Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 7,888,310
Introduction
When analyzing a patent, understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for inventors, businesses, and legal professionals. This article will delve into the specifics of United States Patent 7,888,310, exploring its claims, the technology it covers, and the context within which it exists.
Understanding Patent 7,888,310
Patent Overview
United States Patent 7,888,310, titled "Systems and Methods for Generating a Click-Through Trackable Hyperlink," was granted on February 15, 2011. The patent is assigned to DDR Holdings, LLC, and it pertains to a system and method for creating hyperlinks that can track user clicks, particularly in the context of online advertising and content delivery.
Claims Analysis
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
- Claim 1: This claim describes a system for generating a click-through trackable hyperlink, including a server, a database, and software for creating and managing hyperlinks.
- Claim 13: This claim specifies the method of generating the hyperlink, including steps for receiving a request, creating a unique identifier, and storing the hyperlink in a database.
- Claim 17: This claim details the process of tracking user clicks on the hyperlink, including the use of cookies and server-side tracking mechanisms[2].
Technical Background
System Components
The system described in the patent consists of several key components:
- Server: Handles requests and generates hyperlinks.
- Database: Stores information about the hyperlinks, including unique identifiers and tracking data.
- Software: Manages the creation, distribution, and tracking of hyperlinks[2].
Methodology
The methodology involves several steps:
- Request Receipt: The server receives a request to generate a hyperlink.
- Unique Identifier Creation: A unique identifier is created for the hyperlink.
- Database Storage: The hyperlink and its associated data are stored in the database.
- Tracking: User clicks on the hyperlink are tracked using cookies and server-side mechanisms[2].
Patent Landscape
Relevant Technologies
The technology covered by this patent is part of a broader landscape of online advertising and content delivery systems. Other patents in this area often deal with similar concepts such as click-tracking, user behavior analysis, and personalized content delivery.
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
To understand the global context, tools like the Global Dossier and databases from international patent offices (such as the European Patent Office, Japan Patent Office, and World Intellectual Property Organization) can be used. These resources help in identifying related patents and applications filed in other jurisdictions, which can provide insights into the global patent family and prior art[1].
Legal and Litigation Context
Infringement and Validity
The patent has been involved in significant litigation. For example, in the case of DDR Holdings, LLC v. National Leisure Group, Inc., the Federal Circuit upheld the validity of the patent and found infringement by the defendants. The court rejected arguments that the claims were invalid under 35 U.S.C. § 101 and § 112[2].
Damages and Interest
The litigation resulted in substantial damages and prejudgment interest awarded to DDR Holdings. This highlights the importance of patent enforcement and the potential financial consequences of infringement[2].
Search and Analysis Tools
Patent Public Search
Tools like the Patent Public Search provided by the USPTO can be used to search for prior art and related patents. This tool offers enhanced access to prior art and modern interfaces for searching patent documentation[1].
Patent Classification
Using patent classification systems can help in organizing and searching for patents related to specific technologies. This can save time and ensure that search results are highly relevant[4].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including those related to online advertising and content delivery. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and scope measurements of patents in this field[3].
Patent Scope Measurements
Research papers like "Patent Claims and Patent Scope" by Marco, Sarnoff, and deGrazia offer insights into measuring patent scope and understanding the trends in patent claims. These studies can help in evaluating the breadth and impact of patents like 7,888,310[3].
Conclusion
Understanding the scope and claims of United States Patent 7,888,310 involves a detailed analysis of its technical components, legal context, and position within the broader patent landscape. This patent, while specific in its claims, is part of a larger ecosystem of online advertising and content delivery technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Claims Analysis: The patent includes specific claims related to generating and tracking click-through hyperlinks.
- Technical Background: The system involves a server, database, and software for managing hyperlinks.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a global landscape of online advertising and content delivery technologies.
- Legal Context: The patent has been upheld in litigation and resulted in significant damages and interest.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Tools like Patent Public Search and patent classification systems are essential for searching and analyzing related patents.
FAQs
Q: What is the main technology covered by United States Patent 7,888,310?
A: The patent covers systems and methods for generating click-through trackable hyperlinks, particularly in the context of online advertising.
Q: How can I search for related patents?
A: You can use tools like the Patent Public Search provided by the USPTO or databases from international patent offices.
Q: What are the key components of the system described in the patent?
A: The system includes a server, a database, and software for creating and managing hyperlinks.
Q: Has this patent been involved in any significant litigation?
A: Yes, it was involved in a notable case where the Federal Circuit upheld its validity and found infringement by the defendants.
Q: How can I analyze the scope and trends of patents in this field?
A: You can use datasets like the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset and research papers on patent scope measurements.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- DDR Holdings - United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit: https://cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/13-1505.opinion.12-3-2014.1.pdf
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Brown University Library Guides - Patents: https://libguides.brown.edu/patent
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
