Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,233,184
Introduction to Patent 9,233,184
United States Patent 9,233,184, titled "Adhesive preparation," was granted to its inventors on January 5, 2016. This patent is a utility patent, which is the most common type of patent and is designed to protect functional inventions[1].
Overview of the Invention
The patent describes an adhesive preparation that includes a stretchable support and an adhesive layer laminated on at least one side of the support. This invention is designed to improve the adhesive properties and usability of such preparations, particularly in medical or industrial applications.
Claims of the Patent
The claims of a patent are crucial as they define the scope of the invention and what is protected under the patent. Here are some key aspects of the claims in Patent 9,233,184:
Independent Claims
- The patent includes several independent claims that outline the core components of the invention. For example, Claim 1 might describe the adhesive preparation comprising a stretchable support and an adhesive layer, specifying the materials and structure of these components[4].
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional details or variations of the invention. These claims might specify particular types of materials, dimensions, or methods of application that are covered under the patent[4].
Patent Scope and Protection
Subject Matter Eligibility
- To be patentable, the invention must meet the subject matter eligibility criteria under Section 101 of the U.S. Patent Act. This involves ensuring that the invention is not an abstract idea, natural phenomenon, or something that is otherwise excluded from patentability. The claims must also pass the Alice test, which involves a two-step process to determine if the invention is significantly more than an abstract idea[1].
Novelty and Non-Obviousness
- The invention must be novel and non-obvious. This means it must be new and not obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field. The patent office examines prior art to ensure these criteria are met[1].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
- The patent landscape includes an analysis of prior art, which are existing inventions or publications that could affect the patentability of the current invention. The examiner reviews these to ensure that the claimed invention is novel and non-obvious compared to what already exists[1].
Related Patents
- The patent landscape also includes an examination of related patents in the field of adhesive preparations. This helps in understanding how the current patent fits into the broader context of existing technologies and innovations[4].
Legal Status and Enforcement
Patent Term
- The patent term for Utility Patent 9,233,184 is 20 years from the effective filing date, as per the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA) which changed the patent term from 17 years from the grant date to 20 years from the filing date[5].
Enforcement
- The patent holder has the exclusive right to make, use, or sell the invention. Any unauthorized use, making, or selling of the invention would be considered infringement, and the patent holder can take legal action to enforce their rights[1].
Practical Applications and Impact
Medical and Industrial Use
- The adhesive preparation described in the patent has potential applications in both medical and industrial fields. For example, it could be used in wound care, surgical procedures, or in manufacturing processes where strong and flexible adhesives are required.
Market Competition
- The patent provides a competitive advantage to the holder by preventing others from making, using, or selling the same invention. This can be particularly significant in industries where adhesive technologies play a critical role.
Challenges and Controversies
Patent Prosecution
- The process of obtaining a patent can be complex and contentious. Applicants may face rejections or restrictions during the prosecution phase, similar to the case of Gilbert P. Hyatt, who faced significant challenges and legal battles over his patent applications[5].
Litigation
- Patent holders may need to defend their patents against infringement claims or challenges to the patent's validity. This can involve costly and time-consuming litigation.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent protects a specific adhesive preparation with a stretchable support and an adhesive layer.
- Claims: The claims define the core components and variations of the invention.
- Patent Term: The patent is valid for 20 years from the effective filing date.
- Enforcement: The patent holder has exclusive rights to make, use, or sell the invention.
- Applications: The invention has potential in medical and industrial fields.
- Challenges: Patent prosecution and litigation can be complex and contentious.
FAQs
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What is the main invention described in Patent 9,233,184?
- The main invention is an adhesive preparation comprising a stretchable support and an adhesive layer laminated on at least one side of the support.
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How long is the patent term for Utility Patent 9,233,184?
- The patent term is 20 years from the effective filing date.
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What are the key components of the claims in this patent?
- The claims include independent and dependent claims that specify the materials, structure, and variations of the adhesive preparation.
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What is the significance of the Alice test in patent law?
- The Alice test is a two-step process to determine if an invention is significantly more than an abstract idea, ensuring it meets subject matter eligibility criteria.
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How does the patent impact market competition?
- The patent provides a competitive advantage by preventing others from making, using, or selling the same invention, thereby protecting the holder's market position.
Sources
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BitLaw - Patent Law in the United States
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U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
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Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
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Google Patents - US9233184B2
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Hyatt v. United States Patent and Trademark Office
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