Patent Claims Hierarchical Display System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of patent applications and claims poses a challenge in efficiently understanding and communicating patent properties due to the need for extensive review of complex claim information, exacerbated by legal precedents that narrow claim scope and increase the number of claims per patent.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for displaying patent claims using a graphical user interface that allows for the automatic import, hierarchical parsing, and interactive compression/expansion of claims, enabling users to focus on independent claims and their dependencies, facilitating rapid review and comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of patent applications and claims increases to provide comprehensive patent protection, then the coverage and protection scope improve, but the time and effort required to review and understand claims increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent application divides the large set of claims into hierarchical groups based on their structural relationships. Independent claims are separated from dependent claims, and dependent claims are organized by their parent claim relationships. This segmentation allows users to review claims in manageable hierarchical units rather than as a single large set, significantly reducing the time required to understand patent scope while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to claim organization, transforming the traditional linear or flat claim listing into a multi-level tree structure. Claims are arranged across multiple hierarchical levels with independent claims at the top level and dependent claims nested beneath them. This dimensional transformation enables users to grasp the overall patent scope quickly at higher levels and drill down only when necessary, reducing review time while preserving complete claim information.
2Reliability
If the number of claims per patent increases to overcome examiner objections and ensure patent grant, then the likelihood of patent approval improves, but the complexity of understanding and communicating patent scope worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large number of claims into hierarchical groups led by independent claims. Each independent claim serves as a root that organizes its associated dependent claims into a manageable subtree. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by presenting claims in structured units rather than as an overwhelming list, making patent scope easier to understand and communicate while maintaining the comprehensive claim set needed for approval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and highlights the independent claims separately from the dependent claims. By presenting independent claims first and prominently, the system allows users to understand the core patent scope without being immediately overwhelmed by the full set of claims. The dependent claims can be accessed and reviewed on-demand, reducing the initial cognitive load while preserving complete claim information for thorough analysis.
3Loss of information
If all claims are displayed in full detail, then complete information is provided for thorough analysis, but information overload occurs making rapid assessment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic claim display system that adapts to user needs. The hierarchical claim structure allows users to interactively expand or collapse claim groups at different levels. By default, only independent claims and summary information are displayed for rapid assessment. Users can dynamically expand specific claim groups to view full details when needed, maintaining both rapid assessment capability and complete information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by displaying only the essential claim information (independent claims and hierarchical structure) initially, rather than showing all claim details at once. This partial display enables rapid patent scope assessment. Full claim details remain available but are not displayed by default, allowing users to access complete information selectively when deeper analysis is required, thus avoiding information overload while preserving completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for facilitating patent grant and patent application claims examination; including the functions of automated importing of patent claims, automated parsing of the claims into their hierarchy, and compression/expansion of the parsed claims to/from the independent claim level.