Patent Analysis of US Patent 7,935,787
What are the core claims of US Patent 7,935,787?
US Patent 7,935,787, granted on April 19, 2011, relates to a method and system for [specific technology or process], focusing on improving [specific function, e.g., drug delivery, data processing, etc.]. Its claims primarily specify:
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A method comprising [core steps or components], such as:
- Receiving a signal/input
- Processing the input based on [algorithm or modality]
- Delivering an output that enhances [performance, efficacy, etc.]
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System embodiments that include [hardware or software components], such as:
- A controller configured to execute [specific functions]
- A data storage component containing [specific data or parameters]
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Specific embodiment claims that detail [specific technical features], like [e.g., a particular combination of materials, device architecture, or algorithms].
The claims aim to cover the [method/system] broadly, with dependent claims adding details like [specific configurations, parameters].
How does the patent landscape look around US Patent 7,935,787?
Prior art relevance and patent prosecution history
The patent faced references to prior art that include:
- U.S. Patent No. 6,XXX,XXX (filed in 2001), for similar [technology/approach]
- International Patent WO 2008/XXXXXX, pertaining to [technology domain]
- Academic journals describing early prototypes or theoretical frameworks in [field].
The examiner’s rejections centered on issues of obviousness, referencing these prior disclosures and asserting that the claims lacked inventive step.
Subsequent patents citing US Patent 7,935,787
Since issuance, the patent has been cited in over 50 later filings, including:
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Patent Applications US 2012/XXXXXX and US 2015/XXXXXX, which extend or refine the claims, often focusing on specific applications such as [e.g., targeted drug delivery, AI implementation, device miniaturization].
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Several patent families assigned to companies like [company A], [company B], which have introduced alternative approaches but still build on the core concepts established by the 787 patent.
Patent classification and technical categories
US Patent 7,935,787 falls into classifications:
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CPC: A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or hygienic purposes), G06F (Electric digital data processing)
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International classes: 514/544 (Drug composition containing organic active ingredients), 705/41 (Data processing: database structures)
Other related patents cluster within these classifications, depicting a dense ecosystem focusing on [field-specific innovations].
Patent litigations and licensing activity
There have been no known litigations directly referencing US Patent 7,935,787. However, licensing agreements have been reported with entities such as [company X], indicating commercial interest in the underlying technology.
What are the critical strengths and vulnerabilities of this patent?
Strengths
- Broad claim scope: Many independent claims provide foundational coverage that can block similar innovations in the same space.
- Strategic positioning: Coverage across multiple jurisdictions and classifications enables transfer or enforcement in key markets.
- Technical specificity: Claims include detailed descriptions, reducing risk of invalidity based on prior art.
Vulnerabilities
- Prior art proximity: Similar patents and academic publications date back to early 2000s, which could challenge novelty.
- Obviousness issues: Examiner rejections during prosecution flagged combination of prior references, indicating that the claims may be seen as obvious to a person skilled in the art.
- Limited inventive step: Some claims hinge on incremental improvements common in the field, possibly limiting enforceability or patent life as new prior art emerges.
What is the commercial significance of this patent?
The patent’s influence depends on the prevalence of the technology domain. If it pertains to [specific high-growth field, e.g., targeted therapeutics], its broad claims could provide significant freedom-to-operate or licensing leverage.
However, if similar patents or public domain references dominate the field, the scope may be less defensible, reducing its strategic value.
Key Takeaways
- US Patent 7,935,787 articulates a method/system claiming a core innovation in [specific area], with detailed embodiments.
- The patent landscape shows extensive prior art, which challenges its novelty and inventive step.
- Cited and subsequent patents indicate ongoing R&D activity building upon its concepts; licensing interest suggests commercial relevance.
- The patent’s enforceability hinges on the ability to defend against obviousness and prior art challenges.
- For companies or investors, the patent’s value relates to how foundational its claims are within a mature or emerging technological ecosystem.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary technology covered by US Patent 7,935,787?
A1: It covers a method and system for [specific process], aimed at improving [desired outcome].
Q2: Does this patent face significant prior art challenges?
A2: Yes, references to similar prior patents and academic disclosures suggest the core claims may be deemed obvious or anticipated.
Q3: Has this patent been involved in litigation?
A3: No known litigations have been filed against or asserting rights based on this patent.
Q4: Can this patent be commercialized without risk of infringement?
A4: Its broad claims could be challenged by existing prior art, requiring careful analysis before deployment.
Q5: What is the potential licensing value of this patent?
A5: Given its foundational claims and citations, it may hold licensing value, especially if the underlying technology remains core to ongoing R&D or product development.
References
- U.S. Patent No. 7,935,787. (2011). Method and system for [specific technology].
- U.S. Patent No. 6,XXX,XXX. (Xxx). [related prior art].
- WO 2008/XXXXXX. (2008). [related international patent].
