Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,341,629
Introduction
Patent 9,341,629 is a significant intellectual property asset that has undergone multiple iterations and continuations, reflecting its complexity and the thoroughness of its development. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Background and Continuations
The patent in question, U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,629, is part of a series of continuations and continuations-in-part, indicating a lengthy and iterative development process. It originated from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/791,921, filed on March 15, 2013, and has since been continued and expanded through several applications, including U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/207,130, filed on March 12, 2014[4].
Field of the Disclosure
The patent pertains to methods and compositions for the synthesis and use of amino acid linkers, particularly for targeted imaging of tumors. This field is crucial in medical research and treatment, as it involves the development of precise and effective diagnostic tools.
Claims
The claims of a patent are its most critical components, as they define the scope of the invention and what is protected by the patent. For U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,629, the claims include:
- Composition Claims: These pertain to the specific chemical compositions and compounds used in the synthesis of amino acid linkers.
- Method Claims: These describe the processes and methods for synthesizing and using these linkers for targeted imaging.
- Use Claims: These specify the applications of the compositions and methods, particularly in medical diagnostics and treatments[4].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and includes:
- Synthesis Methods: Detailed procedures for creating the amino acid linkers.
- Composition Formulations: Specific formulations of the linkers and their conjugates.
- Diagnostic Applications: The use of these linkers in targeted imaging of tumors, which involves attaching the linkers to imaging agents to precisely locate and visualize tumors[4].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,629 is complex and dynamic, involving several related patents and ongoing research in the field of medical diagnostics.
Related Patents
- The patent is part of a family of patents that include U.S. Pat. No. 9,789,208, U.S. Pat. No. 9,782,497, and others, all of which contribute to the broader context of targeted imaging and diagnostic techniques[4].
- These related patents often build upon or complement the inventions described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,629, indicating a continuous effort to improve and expand the technology.
Industry Trends
- The field of targeted imaging is rapidly evolving, with significant advancements in molecular biology, nanotechnology, and imaging technologies.
- Companies and research institutions are heavily invested in developing new diagnostic tools, making this patent part of a larger ecosystem of innovation in medical diagnostics.
Economic and Legal Implications
The economic and legal implications of U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,629 are substantial:
Economic Impact
- The patent has the potential to significantly impact the medical diagnostics industry by providing more precise and effective tools for tumor imaging.
- It could lead to new products and services, driving innovation and economic growth in the healthcare sector.
Legal Considerations
- The patent's claims and scope must be carefully managed to avoid infringement issues with other related patents.
- The ongoing continuations and expansions of the patent highlight the importance of strategic patent management in protecting intellectual property[4].
Public and Stakeholder Engagement
In the context of patent policy and public engagement, initiatives like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) efforts to establish a small claims patent court are relevant. Such courts could facilitate easier resolution of patent disputes, including those related to complex medical diagnostics patents like U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,629[2].
Data and Research
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides valuable insights into patent scope and claims, which can be applied to understanding the complexity and breadth of patents like U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,629. This dataset includes detailed information on claims from U.S. patents granted between 1976 and 2014, offering a comprehensive view of patent trends and scope measurements[3].
Key Takeaways
- Iterative Development: U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,629 is part of a series of continuations, reflecting ongoing innovation and refinement.
- Diagnostic Applications: The patent is crucial for targeted imaging of tumors, contributing to advancements in medical diagnostics.
- Economic and Legal Impact: The patent has significant economic and legal implications, influencing the medical diagnostics industry and requiring careful management to avoid infringement issues.
- Industry Trends: The patent is part of a rapidly evolving field, with continuous advancements in molecular biology, nanotechnology, and imaging technologies.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,629?
A: The primary focus is on methods and compositions for the synthesis and use of amino acid linkers for targeted imaging of tumors.
Q: How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
A: It is part of a family of related patents and contributes to the ongoing innovation in medical diagnostics, particularly in targeted imaging.
Q: What are the economic implications of this patent?
A: The patent has the potential to drive innovation and economic growth in the healthcare sector by providing more precise diagnostic tools.
Q: How is the USPTO involved in managing patents like U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,629?
A: The USPTO manages such patents through its patent claims research datasets and initiatives like the proposed small claims patent court.
Q: What is the significance of the continuations and continuations-in-part for this patent?
A: These continuations reflect the iterative development and refinement of the invention, ensuring that the patent remains relevant and protected as the technology evolves.
Sources
- U.S. Patent Office Issues 220 Patents To Indiana Citizens in May 2016 - [U.S. Patent Office Issues 220 Patents To Indiana Citizens in May 2016][1]
- U.S. Patent Small Claims Court - [U.S. Patent Small Claims Court][2]
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - [Patent Claims Research Dataset][3]
- U.S. Patent for Synthesis and composition of amino acid linking - [U.S. Patent for Synthesis and composition of amino acid linking][4]
