Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 10,105,337: A Comprehensive Analysis
Introduction
Patent 10,105,337, like any other patent, is a complex document that requires a thorough analysis to understand its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape. This article will delve into the key aspects of this patent, including its claims, the technological domain it operates in, and how it fits into the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
Patent Number and Title
United States Patent 10,105,337 is titled "Methods and Systems for Detecting Anomalies in Data." This title suggests that the patent is related to data analysis and anomaly detection, which is a critical area in various technological fields.
Inventors and Assignees
Understanding the inventors and assignees of the patent can provide insights into the origins and potential applications of the technology. The inventors are typically individuals or teams who developed the innovation, while the assignees are the entities that own the rights to the patent.
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
The claims section of a patent is crucial as it defines the scope of the invention. Claims can be independent or dependent, with independent claims standing alone and dependent claims referring back to one or more previous claims.
Subject Matter Eligibility
Recent updates from the USPTO, such as the 2024 guidance on AI and software-related emerging technologies, emphasize the importance of subject matter eligibility under 35 U.S.C. § 101. For a claim to be patent-eligible, it must integrate a judicial exception into a practical application, showing meaningful limits on the exception and a concrete technological improvement[1].
Example Analysis
For instance, if a claim in Patent 10,105,337 involves an artificial neural network designed to detect anomalies, it must demonstrate how this neural network improves computer technology or provides a practical application. This could involve specifying how the neural network enhances accuracy or solves a specific problem in the relevant field, similar to the examples provided in the USPTO's 2024 guidance[1].
Technological Domain
Data Analysis and Anomaly Detection
The technological domain of data analysis and anomaly detection is highly relevant in today's data-driven world. This domain involves various techniques, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, to identify unusual patterns or outliers in data sets.
Industry Applications
This technology has wide-ranging applications across industries such as finance, healthcare, cybersecurity, and manufacturing. Understanding the specific industry applications can help in assessing the patent's value and potential impact.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Patent Mapping
Patent landscape analysis, also known as patent mapping, is a process that uses computer tools and human intelligence to analyze and organize vast amounts of patent data. This analysis can reveal valuable insights into competitors, market developments, and technological trends[3].
Competitive Intelligence
Using tools like the Patent 300® Dashboard or CLAIMS Direct, one can conduct a competitive analysis to identify key players in the anomaly detection field, their patent portfolios, and areas of technological overlap or whitespace. This helps in strategizing patent prosecution, identifying potential licensing opportunities, and making informed business decisions[4][5].
Legal Status and Expiry Dates
Understanding the legal status (alive, pending, lapsed, revoked, or expired) and expected expiry dates of related patents is crucial for planning and decision-making. This information can be extracted through detailed patent landscape reports[3].
Case Law and Judicial Precedents
Section 101 Eligibility
The eligibility of patent claims under 35 U.S.C. § 101 is often tested in court. Cases like Electric Power Group, LLC v. Alstom S.A. highlight the importance of ensuring that claims do not merely involve abstract ideas but integrate these ideas into practical applications that offer concrete technological improvements[2].
Recent Federal Circuit Decisions
The USPTO's 2024 guidance incorporates recent Federal Circuit decisions, ensuring that the application of patent eligibility criteria is consistent and reflects the latest judicial thinking. This integration is vital for practitioners to draft claims that are more likely to avoid section 101 rejections[1].
Practical Applications and Benefits
Real-World Applications
To bolster the argument for patent eligibility, it is essential to demonstrate how the claimed method or system is applied in real-world scenarios. For example, if the anomaly detection system is used in a real-time speech recognition system to enhance accuracy, this practical application can significantly support the patent eligibility of the claim[1].
Concrete Technological Improvements
The claimed invention must offer a concrete technological improvement. This could involve enhancing the efficiency of data processing, improving the accuracy of anomaly detection, or solving specific problems in the relevant field.
Key Takeaways
- Subject Matter Eligibility: Ensure that claims integrate judicial exceptions into practical applications, demonstrating meaningful limits and concrete technological improvements.
- Technological Domain: Understand the industry applications and technological trends in data analysis and anomaly detection.
- Patent Landscape Analysis: Use tools like patent mapping and competitive intelligence to analyze the patent landscape and make informed business decisions.
- Case Law and Judicial Precedents: Stay updated with recent Federal Circuit decisions and ensure compliance with section 101 eligibility criteria.
- Practical Applications: Demonstrate real-world applications and concrete technological improvements to support patent eligibility.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the USPTO's 2024 guidance on AI and software-related emerging technologies?
A: The guidance refines and clarifies the process for determining the patent eligibility of AI-related inventions, providing more tools for practitioners to evaluate patentability and draft claims that avoid section 101 rejections.
Q: How does patent landscape analysis help in understanding the technological domain of a patent?
A: Patent landscape analysis provides valuable insights into competitors, market developments, and technological trends, helping in strategizing patent prosecution, identifying licensing opportunities, and making informed business decisions.
Q: What are the key elements to consider for ensuring the patent eligibility of claims under 35 U.S.C. § 101?
A: Claims must integrate judicial exceptions into practical applications, showing meaningful limits on the exception and a concrete technological improvement.
Q: How can tools like the Patent 300® Dashboard or CLAIMS Direct assist in patent analysis?
A: These tools provide detailed prosecution analytics, competitive intelligence, and insights into patent portfolios, helping in decision-making and strategic planning.
Q: What is the importance of demonstrating real-world applications in patent claims?
A: Demonstrating real-world applications helps to show that the claimed method or system provides concrete benefits or solves specific problems in the relevant field, thereby supporting the argument for patent eligibility.
Sources
- Understanding the 2024 USPTO Guidance Update on AI Patent - Mintz
- Electric Power Group, LLC v. Alstom S.A. - CAFC
- Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis - Sagacious Research
- Patent 300® Dashboard - Harrity LLP
- Connect to High Quality, Global Patent Data - IFI CLAIMS
