United States Patent 9,941,931: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
The United States Patent 9,941,931, titled "System for Supply Chain Management," is a significant innovation in the field of product tracking and supply chain management. This patent, granted to inventors who developed a method and system for tracking products from origin to destination, is particularly relevant in industries such as pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
Background and Context
The patent addresses a critical need in supply chain management: the ability to track and verify the authenticity of products. This is especially crucial in the pharmaceutical industry, where counterfeit products can have severe consequences. The system described in the patent uses electronic devices to ensure the integrity and validity of products throughout the supply chain[1].
Key Components of the Patent
Capacitive Coupling System
The patent describes a system that utilizes capacitive coupling to communicate between devices. This system includes a device with materials deposited on its surface, which are capacitively coupled to probes. These probes, powered by an AC source, can communicate with the device to verify its identity and authenticity[1].
Materials and Probes
The materials used in this system are typically conductive inks, such as graphite or carbon-based inks. These materials are deposited on the device and are in communication with a control module. When the probes are brought close to these materials, they can read and communicate the information stored in the device's memory[1].
Application in Supply Chain Management
The system is designed to track products through various stages of the supply chain, including manufacturing, pharmacy verification, and prescription processes. It ensures that only valid and authentic products are accepted, thereby preventing counterfeit products from entering the supply chain[1].
Scope of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims cover the method of using electronic devices to track products, the specific configuration of the capacitive coupling system, and the materials used in the device. The independent claims are crucial as they delineate what is considered novel and non-obvious about the invention[3].
Claim Length and Count
Research on patent scope suggests that the length and count of independent claims can be indicative of the patent's breadth and complexity. In this case, the patent's claims are detailed and specific, reflecting a narrow yet robust scope that ensures the system's functionality and uniqueness[3].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent builds upon prior art related to ingestible devices and other tracking systems. It references several PCT applications that describe similar technologies, but the current patent introduces a novel method of capacitive coupling for product verification[1].
Global Dossier and Patent Family
Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can see the patent family for this application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global reach and relevance of the patent[4].
Legal and Practical Considerations
Inventorship
The determination of inventorship is a critical aspect of patent law. For this patent, the inventors must have conceived the idea of using capacitive coupling for product tracking and reduced it to practice. Ensuring correct inventorship is essential to maintain the patent's enforceability[2].
Patent Enforcement and Litigation
Given the potential for disputes over patent infringement, the patent's scope and claims must be clearly defined. The study on small claims patent courts highlights the need for efficient and cost-effective mechanisms for resolving patent disputes, which could impact the enforcement of this patent[5].
Practical Applications
Pharmaceutical Industry
The system is particularly useful in the pharmaceutical industry, where ensuring the authenticity of drugs is paramount. By using this system, pharmacies and healthcare providers can verify the legitimacy of medications before dispensing them to patients[1].
Supply Chain Integrity
Beyond pharmaceuticals, the system can be applied to various other industries where supply chain integrity is crucial. It helps in preventing counterfeit products from entering the market, thereby protecting consumers and maintaining trust in the supply chain.
Challenges and Future Directions
Technological Advancements
As technology advances, there may be opportunities to enhance the system's capabilities, such as integrating it with other tracking technologies like RFID or blockchain. These advancements could further strengthen the system's efficacy in supply chain management.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements is essential. The system must adhere to standards set by regulatory bodies, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, to ensure widespread adoption and acceptance.
Key Takeaways
- Capacitive Coupling System: The patent uses a capacitive coupling system to track and verify products.
- Supply Chain Management: It is particularly useful in industries like pharmaceuticals for ensuring product authenticity.
- Legal Considerations: Correct inventorship and clear scope of claims are crucial for patent enforceability.
- Practical Applications: The system can be applied in various industries to maintain supply chain integrity.
- Future Directions: Technological advancements and regulatory compliance are key areas for future development.
FAQs
What is the primary purpose of the United States Patent 9,941,931?
The primary purpose is to track and verify the authenticity of products, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, using a capacitive coupling system.
How does the capacitive coupling system work?
The system uses conductive materials deposited on a device, which are capacitively coupled to probes. These probes communicate with the device to verify its identity and authenticity.
What are the key components of the patent?
The key components include the device with conductive materials, the control module, and the probes powered by an AC source.
How does this patent impact supply chain management?
It ensures that only valid and authentic products are accepted, preventing counterfeit products from entering the supply chain.
What are the potential future directions for this technology?
Future directions include integrating the system with other tracking technologies and ensuring regulatory compliance to enhance its efficacy and adoption.
Sources
- US Patent and Trademark Office, "US9941931B2 - System for supply chain management," Google Patents.
- Oregon State University, "Determining Inventorship for US Patent Applications," AgSci.
- SSRN, "Patent Claims and Patent Scope," SSRN.
- USPTO, "Search for patents," USPTO.
- Administrative Conference of the United States, "U.S. Patent Small Claims Court," ACUS.
