Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,839,579: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for any organization looking to protect its intellectual property or navigate the complex landscape of existing patents. This article will delve into the details of United States Patent 9,839,579, titled "Delamination Resistant Pharmaceutical Glass Containers Containing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients," and provide a thorough analysis of its scope and claims.
Overview of the Patent
United States Patent 9,839,579, assigned to Corning Inc., addresses the issue of delamination in pharmaceutical glass containers. Delamination is a critical problem in the pharmaceutical industry, as it can lead to the contamination of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and compromise the efficacy and safety of the drugs.
Background of the Invention
The patent background highlights the need for improved glass containers that can resist delamination. Traditional glass containers often suffer from delamination due to various factors, including the interaction between the glass and the pharmaceutical ingredients. This invention aims to provide a solution by developing glass containers with enhanced resistance to delamination[5].
Summary of the Invention
The patent describes a method and composition for creating delamination-resistant pharmaceutical glass containers. The invention involves using specific types of glass that are less prone to delamination when in contact with active pharmaceutical ingredients. The glass containers are designed to maintain their integrity and prevent the leaching of ions, which is a common cause of delamination[5].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically outline the key components and processes that are novel and non-obvious.
- Claim 1: This claim describes the delamination-resistant glass container, specifying the type of glass used and its properties.
- Claim 2: This claim details the method of manufacturing the glass containers, including the steps involved in ensuring delamination resistance.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further refine the scope of the independent claims by adding additional limitations or features.
- Claim 3: This claim specifies the composition of the glass, including the percentages of various oxides that contribute to its delamination resistance.
- Claim 4: This claim describes the testing methods used to verify the delamination resistance of the glass containers.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by the claims and the description provided in the specification. Here are some key aspects:
Glass Composition
The patent specifies a particular composition of glass that is resistant to delamination. This includes a detailed breakdown of the oxides and other components that make up the glass[5].
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process is another critical aspect of the patent. It outlines the steps necessary to produce the delamination-resistant glass containers, ensuring that the final product meets the required standards.
Applications
The patent highlights the applications of the delamination-resistant glass containers in the pharmaceutical industry. These containers are designed to store active pharmaceutical ingredients safely, preventing contamination and ensuring the efficacy of the drugs.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Prior Art
To understand the novelty of the patent, it is essential to analyze the prior art in the field. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be useful here, as it consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices for the same invention[1].
Competing Patents
Other patents in the same field can provide insights into the competitive landscape. For example, patents related to pharmaceutical glass containers from other companies can be compared to identify unique features and potential gaps in the market.
Global Patent Family
Using the Global Dossier service, one can view the patent family for this specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global reach and protection of the invention[1].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
Patent analytics tools can be used to analyze the claims and scope of the patent in detail. Here are some ways to utilize these tools:
Claim Coverage Matrix
A Claim Coverage Matrix can help identify which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property related to delamination-resistant glass containers. This matrix can highlight gaps or opportunities in the current claim coverage[3].
Scope Concepts and Claim Charts
Categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts can provide a powerful tool for filtering and analyzing large numbers of patent claims. Interactive claim charts generated by tools like ClaimScape® can help technical experts determine whether a particular scope concept is applicable to a target product or method[3].
Practical Implications
Understanding the scope and claims of this patent has several practical implications:
Licensing and Collaboration
Companies interested in using the technology described in the patent may need to consider licensing agreements. Analyzing the claims and scope helps in negotiating these agreements effectively.
Product Development
For companies developing pharmaceutical glass containers, understanding the patented technology can help in designing products that do not infringe on existing patents. It also highlights areas where innovation can occur without violating existing intellectual property rights.
Litigation
In cases of potential litigation, a thorough analysis of the claims and scope of the patent is crucial. This helps in determining whether there has been any infringement and in preparing a strong defense or prosecution strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Delamination Resistance: The patent focuses on creating glass containers that are resistant to delamination, a critical issue in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Glass Composition: The specific composition of the glass is a key aspect of the invention.
- Manufacturing Process: The patent outlines a detailed manufacturing process to ensure the production of delamination-resistant glass containers.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts are essential for analyzing the claims and scope of the patent.
- Global Patent Family: Understanding the global patent family helps in assessing the global protection and reach of the invention.
FAQs
What is the main issue addressed by United States Patent 9,839,579?
The main issue addressed by this patent is the delamination of pharmaceutical glass containers, which can contaminate active pharmaceutical ingredients.
How does the patent describe the delamination-resistant glass containers?
The patent describes the specific composition of the glass and the manufacturing process that ensures the glass containers are resistant to delamination.
What tools can be used to analyze the claims and scope of the patent?
Tools such as Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts, available through patent analytics services, can be used to analyze the claims and scope of the patent.
Why is it important to understand the global patent family of this invention?
Understanding the global patent family helps in assessing the global protection and reach of the invention, which is crucial for international business strategies.
How can companies use this patent analysis in their product development?
Companies can use this analysis to design products that do not infringe on existing patents and to identify areas where innovation can occur without violating existing intellectual property rights.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. (2018, October 18). Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- PubChem - US-2014341883-A1. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-2014341883-A1
- Schwegman - Patent Analytics. Retrieved from https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Retrieved from https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- Unified Patents Portal - US-9839579-B2. Retrieved from https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20130196094-A1
