Details for Patent: 9,216,127

Summary for Patent: 9,216,127

Title:	Burial vault and method for customizing a burial vault
Abstract:	A decorative burial vault includes a decorative top surface substrate having a decorative graphic thereon, the substrate being attached to the top surface of the burial vault or a carapace attached to the burial vault.
Inventor(s):	Cox; Christie Marie (Polo, IL), Cox; Marty Jay (Polo, IL)
Assignee:
Application Number:	14/543,484
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims

Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,216,127

Introduction

When analyzing a patent, understanding its scope and claims is crucial for determining its validity, enforceability, and potential impact on the market. This article will delve into the details of United States Patent 9,216,127, exploring its claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape.

Understanding Patent Claims

Patent claims are the heart of a patent, defining the scope of protection granted by the patent office. They are typically categorized into independent and dependent claims. Independent claims stand alone and define the invention, while dependent claims refer back to and further limit the independent claims[5].

Patent 9,216,127 Overview

To analyze the scope and claims of United States Patent 9,216,127, we need to identify the key elements of the patent.

Title and Abstract

The title and abstract provide a preliminary understanding of the invention. However, without specific details from the patent document itself, we rely on general principles of patent analysis.

Independent Claims

Independent claims are critical as they define the broadest scope of the invention. For example, if a patent has multiple independent claims, each claim may cover different aspects of the invention, such as different embodiments or methods[5].

Dependent Claims

Dependent claims narrow down the scope of the independent claims by adding additional limitations. These claims are often used to protect specific features or variations of the invention.

Analyzing Claim Language

The language used in the claims is vital for determining the patent's scope. Here are some key metrics:

Independent Claim Length and Count

Research has shown that independent claim length and count can be simple yet effective metrics for measuring patent scope. Longer independent claims and a higher number of independent claims often indicate broader patents, which can be more contentious in terms of validity and enforceability[5].

Patent Scope

Patent scope is a measure of how broadly or narrowly the patent protects the invention. Here are some aspects to consider:

Breadth of Patent Classes

The breadth of patent classes can indicate the scope of the patent. Patents that span multiple classes may have a broader scope, while those confined to a single class may be narrower[5].

Forward Citations

Forward citations, which are citations to the patent by later patents, can indicate the patent's impact and scope. A higher number of forward citations may suggest a broader and more influential patent[5].

Novelty and Non-Obviousness

The novelty and non-obviousness of the claims are crucial for patent validity. Patents with claims that are novel and non-obvious are more likely to be granted and maintained[4].

Patent Landscape

Understanding the patent landscape involves looking at related patents and the overall technological field.

Prior Art

Prior art includes all existing knowledge and inventions in the field before the patent application was filed. A thorough search of prior art is essential to ensure the patent is novel and non-obvious[4].

Patent Family

The patent family includes all related patent applications and grants in different jurisdictions. Tools like the Global Dossier can help in identifying the patent family and understanding the global scope of the patent[4].

Tools for Patent Analysis

Several tools are available for analyzing patents:

Patent Public Search

The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool allows users to search for existing patents and published patent applications, providing access to prior art and helping in determining the novelty and non-obviousness of the claims[4].

Common Citation Document (CCD)

The CCD consolidates prior art citations from multiple patent offices, making it easier to visualize the search results for the same invention across different jurisdictions[4].

Patent Examination Data System (PEDS)

PEDS provides access to bibliographic data for all publicly available patent applications, allowing users to search, view, and download data to analyze the patent landscape[4].

Case Study: Analyzing Patent 9,216,127

To conduct a detailed analysis of Patent 9,216,127, one would typically follow these steps:

1. Retrieve the Patent Document: Obtain the full text of the patent from the USPTO database or other patent search tools.
2. Identify Independent and Dependent Claims: Analyze the claim structure to understand the broadest scope of protection.
3. Analyze Claim Language: Use metrics such as independent claim length and count to gauge the patent's scope.
4. Examine Forward Citations: Look at how often the patent is cited by later patents to assess its impact.
5. Review Prior Art: Conduct a thorough search to ensure the patent is novel and non-obvious.
6. Explore the Patent Family: Use tools like the Global Dossier to understand the global reach of the patent.

Key Takeaways

• Claim Structure: Independent claims define the broadest scope, while dependent claims narrow it down.
• Patent Scope Metrics: Independent claim length and count, breadth of patent classes, and forward citations are useful metrics.
• Tools for Analysis: Utilize the USPTO's Patent Public Search, CCD, and PEDS for comprehensive analysis.
• Prior Art and Novelty: Ensure the patent is novel and non-obvious by conducting a thorough prior art search.

FAQs

Q: What are the key components of a patent claim? A: The key components include independent claims that define the broadest scope of the invention and dependent claims that further limit the independent claims.

Q: How do you measure the scope of a patent? A: Metrics such as independent claim length, independent claim count, breadth of patent classes, and forward citations can be used to measure the scope of a patent.

Q: What is the importance of prior art in patent analysis? A: Prior art is crucial for ensuring the novelty and non-obviousness of the patent claims.

Q: What tools are available for searching and analyzing patents? A: Tools include the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Common Citation Document (CCD), Global Dossier, and Patent Examination Data System (PEDS).

Q: Why is understanding the patent family important? A: Understanding the patent family helps in identifying related applications and grants in different jurisdictions, providing a global perspective on the patent's scope.

Sources

1. USPTO Patent Claims Research Dataset Documentation - This dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents and applications, which can be used to analyze patent scope[3].
2. USPTO Search for Patents - This resource outlines various tools and strategies for conducting patent searches, including the Patent Public Search and Global Dossier[4].
3. Patent Claims and Patent Scope - This paper explores metrics for measuring patent scope based on claim language and validates these measures using several correlates of patent scope[5].

Drugs Protected by US Patent 9,216,127

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate
No data available in table