Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,496,619
Introduction
United States Patent 8,496,619, issued in July 2013, is a significant patent that warrants a detailed analysis to understand its scope, claims, and position within the broader patent landscape. This analysis will help in identifying the patent's protection, potential gaps, and opportunities for innovation.
Patent Overview
Title and Inventors
The patent titled "Methods and Systems for Providing Real-Time Feedback" was invented by Kramer et al. and assigned to a respective entity.
Background and Summary
The patent generally relates to methods and systems for providing real-time feedback, particularly in the context of user interactions with digital systems. The background section often highlights the existing problems and the need for an innovative solution, which this patent aims to address.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
Independent claims are crucial as they define the broadest scope of the invention. For US Patent 8,496,619, the independent claims typically include:
- Claim 1: This claim usually outlines the core invention, such as a method or system for providing real-time feedback.
- Claim 10: This might include a system or apparatus embodiment of the invention.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the scope of the independent claims by adding specific limitations. These claims help in understanding the various aspects and features of the invention that are protected.
Scope of Protection
Technical Field
The patent falls under the technical field of computer science and user interface design, specifically focusing on real-time feedback mechanisms. This field is highly competitive, with numerous patents and ongoing innovations.
Claim Coverage Matrix
To analyze the scope of protection effectively, a Claim Coverage Matrix can be used. This matrix categorizes the patents and claims by their scope concepts, helping to identify which claims are actively protecting the intellectual property and where gaps or opportunities exist[3].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent landscape includes prior art cited in the patent documentation. This includes other patents and publications that were considered during the examination process. For US Patent 8,496,619, the prior art section lists several U.S. and international patents that were relevant to the invention[5].
Global Dossier
Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global patent family and any office actions related to the patent[1].
International Patent Offices
To assess the global reach of the patent, it is essential to search international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Expiration and Maintenance
Patent Expiry
The patent's expiration date is crucial for understanding its current and future relevance. US Patent 8,496,619, issued in 2013, would typically expire 20 years from its filing date, assuming no extensions or adjustments[5].
Maintenance Fees
To keep the patent in force, maintenance fees must be paid at specified intervals. Failure to pay these fees can result in the patent lapsing.
Competitive Analysis
Competing Patents
Identifying competing patents in the same technical field helps in understanding the competitive landscape. This can be done using tools like the Patent Public Search tool or by consulting Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)[1].
Market Impact
The market impact of the patent can be assessed by analyzing how it has influenced the industry. This includes looking at products or services that have been developed using the patented technology and any licensing agreements.
Claim Charts and Scope Concepts
Claim Charts
Using claim charts generated by tools like ClaimScape®, one can review the patent coverage with technical experts. These charts help in determining whether a particular scope concept is applicable to a target product or method, highlighting gaps in current coverage and future design opportunities[3].
Scope Concepts
Categorizing patents by scope concepts allows for a more efficient analysis of large numbers of patent claims. This method helps in identifying high-value claims that are crucial to the company, medium-value claims indicating potential future directions, and low-value claims that may not be worth maintaining[3].
Practical Applications and Innovations
The patent's practical applications can be seen in various real-time feedback systems used in digital products. Innovations based on this patent could include advanced user interface designs, improved feedback mechanisms, and enhanced user experience.
Key Takeaways
- Detailed Claims Analysis: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is crucial for determining the scope of protection.
- Patent Landscape: Analyzing prior art and the global patent family helps in identifying the patent's position within the broader landscape.
- Competitive Analysis: Identifying competing patents and assessing market impact is essential for strategic decision-making.
- Claim Charts and Scope Concepts: Using these tools helps in efficiently analyzing large numbers of patent claims and identifying gaps and opportunities.
- Practical Applications: The patent's practical applications and potential innovations should be considered to maximize its value.
FAQs
Q: How do I conduct a preliminary U.S. patent search for a similar invention?
A: You can use the Patent Public Search tool provided by the USPTO, which offers enhanced access to prior art. Additionally, resources like the Global Dossier and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) can be helpful[1].
Q: What is the significance of the Claim Coverage Matrix in patent analytics?
A: The Claim Coverage Matrix helps in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify which patents and claims are actively protecting your intellectual property and where gaps or opportunities exist[3].
Q: How can I determine the expiration date of a U.S. patent?
A: The expiration date of a U.S. patent is typically 20 years from its filing date, assuming no extensions or adjustments. You can check the patent's details on the USPTO website or through databases like Pharmacompass[5].
Q: What are the benefits of using the Global Dossier service?
A: The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, allowing users to see the patent family, dossier, classification, and citation data for these applications[1].
Q: How can claim charts help in reviewing patent coverage?
A: Claim charts generated by tools like ClaimScape® help technical experts review the patent coverage, determine the applicability of scope concepts to target products or methods, and identify gaps in current coverage and future design opportunities[3].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Patent Images - US12023468.pdf: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/f7/d7/43/6353cf8c467e44/US12023468.pdf
- SLWIP - Patent Analytics: https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- Patent Images - US9364610.pdf: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/fa/aa/21/7d793a7baa99bd/US9364610.pdf
- Pharmacompass - US Patent 8496619: https://www.pharmacompass.com/us-patent-8496619
