Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,658,694: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for inventors, researchers, and businesses to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property. This article will delve into the specifics of United States Patent 8,658,694, exploring its claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape in which it resides.
Overview of United States Patent 8,658,694
United States Patent 8,658,694, titled "Method of reducing occurrence of a bacterial infection in a human suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension," was granted on February 25, 2014. This patent pertains to a method aimed at reducing bacterial infections in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by a team of researchers and is assigned to a specific entity, although the exact assignee is not specified in the provided sources.
Patent Classification
The patent is classified under relevant categories within the International Patent Classification (IPC) system, which helps in identifying similar patents and technologies.
Claims Analysis
Independent and Dependent Claims
The claims section of a patent is critical as it defines the scope of the invention. For Patent 8,658,694, the claims can be broken down into independent and dependent claims.
- Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the core aspects of the invention. They typically include the essential features and steps of the method or device.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims and add additional features or limitations. They are often narrower in scope but provide further detail on the invention[3].
Claim Length and Count
Research has shown that the length and count of independent claims can be indicative of the patent's scope and quality. Patents with narrower claims at publication tend to have a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Scope of the Patent
Method Description
The patent describes a method for reducing the occurrence of bacterial infections in patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension. This involves specific steps and treatments aimed at mitigating the risk of such infections.
Prior Art and Novelty
To understand the scope, it is essential to consider the prior art cited in the patent. The Common Citation Document (CCD) can be useful here, as it consolidates prior art cited by multiple offices for the same invention, providing a comprehensive view of the existing knowledge in the field[1].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Definition and Importance
Patent landscape analysis, also known as patent mapping, is a process that analyzes, organizes, and extracts value from vast amounts of patent data. This analysis helps in understanding the entire landscape of a technology domain and provides valuable insights into competitors and market developments[5].
Steps in Patent Landscape Analysis
- Define the Search Strategy: This involves identifying relevant patent and non-patent sources, such as the USPTO, WIPO, and EPO databases. It also includes collaborating with technical teams and market experts to establish a collection of relevant keywords and patent class codes[5].
- Collect and Analyze Data: This step involves gathering data from various sources and analyzing it to create a set of patents that are pending or in process in the particular field.
- Report and Visualize: The analysis is often reported in various formats, such as World Intellectual Property Organization reports, 3D maps, or MS Excel spreadsheets. These reports help in visualizing patent trends, market developments, and other critical insights[5].
Legal Status and Expected Expiry Dates
Understanding the legal status (alive, pending, lapsed, revoked, or expired) and expected expiry dates of patents in the landscape is crucial for decision-making. This information helps in identifying potential opportunities and risks in the market[5].
Tools and Resources for Patent Search
USPTO Resources
- Patent Public Search: This tool provides enhanced access to prior art with modern interfaces, replacing legacy tools like PubEast and PubWest[1].
- Global Dossier: This service allows users to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, providing a comprehensive view of the patent family[1].
- Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs): These centers offer local search resources and training in patent search techniques[1].
International Resources
- European Patent Office (EPO): Provides access to European patent databases through esp@cenet and machine translations for some languages[1].
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): Offers the PATENTSCOPE® Search Service, which includes full-text search of published international patent applications and machine translations for some documents[1].
Case Study: Analyzing the Landscape for Patent 8,658,694
To analyze the landscape for this patent, one would need to:
- Conduct a preliminary search using tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and Global Dossier.
- Identify relevant patents and applications in the field of pulmonary arterial hypertension and bacterial infection treatments.
- Analyze the legal status and expected expiry dates of these patents to understand the current market dynamics.
- Visualize the data to identify trends, competitors, and potential opportunities or risks.
Key Takeaways
- Claims Analysis: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is crucial for defining the scope of the patent.
- Patent Landscape: Analyzing the broader patent landscape helps in identifying competitors, market trends, and potential risks and opportunities.
- Tools and Resources: Utilizing resources like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases is essential for comprehensive analysis.
- Legal Status and Expiry Dates: Knowing the legal status and expected expiry dates of patents in the landscape is vital for strategic decision-making.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of United States Patent 8,658,694?
A: The primary focus of this patent is a method for reducing the occurrence of bacterial infections in humans suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Q: How can I analyze the scope of a patent?
A: Analyzing the scope involves examining the independent and dependent claims, understanding the prior art, and considering the novelty of the invention.
Q: What is patent landscape analysis, and why is it important?
A: Patent landscape analysis is a process that analyzes and organizes patent data to provide insights into competitors, market trends, and potential risks and opportunities. It is important for strategic decision-making and understanding the broader technological domain.
Q: Which tools are available for conducting a patent search?
A: Tools include the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), and international databases like the EPO's esp@cenet and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE®.
Q: How do I determine the legal status and expected expiry dates of patents?
A: You can determine the legal status and expected expiry dates by using resources like the Global Dossier, patent landscape reports, and the official gazettes of patent offices.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- United States Patent - googleapis.com. Retrieved from https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/fb/17/89/2bbbd95b3bdc70/US8658694.pdf
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - Search eLibrary :: SSRN. Retrieved from https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Patent 2964804 Summary - Canadian Patents Database. Retrieved from https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2964804/summary.html?wbdisable=true
- Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis. Retrieved from https://sagaciousresearch.com/blog/navigating-technological-domains-with-patent-landscape-analysis/
