United States Patent 10,058,615: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 10,058,615, titled "Semifluorinated alkane compositions," is a patent that introduces novel compositions comprising semifluorinated alkanes and at least one compound sensitive or prone to oxidation. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication and Filing Details
- Publication Number: US10,058,615B2
- Filing Date: May 25, 2017
- Grant Date: January 22, 2019
- Assignee: The patent is assigned to the inventors or their respective organizations, which are not specified in the publicly available documents[4].
Invention Description
The patent describes compositions that include semifluorinated alkanes combined with compounds that are sensitive or prone to oxidation. These compositions are designed to address various applications, particularly in the context of eye care and the treatment of conditions such as dry eye syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and other related diseases[4].
Scope of the Invention
Technical Field
The invention falls within the technical field of pharmaceutical and chemical compositions, specifically focusing on semifluorinated alkanes and their applications in medical treatments.
Key Components
- Semifluorinated Alkanes: These are the primary components of the invention, known for their unique properties that make them suitable for various medical applications.
- Compounds Prone to Oxidation: The inclusion of these compounds is crucial as they interact with the semifluorinated alkanes to provide the desired therapeutic effects[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically outline the essential features of the compositions, such as:
- The presence of semifluorinated alkanes.
- The inclusion of at least one compound sensitive or prone to oxidation.
- The specific ratios or concentrations of these components.
- The methods of preparation and use of these compositions[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the invention by adding additional limitations or features to the independent claims. These may include:
- Specific types of compounds prone to oxidation.
- Particular methods of application or administration.
- Detailed descriptions of the therapeutic effects or benefits[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites various prior art documents and patents related to semifluorinated alkanes and their medical applications. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, which consolidates citation data from multiple patent offices, would be a useful tool in identifying relevant prior art and understanding the global patent landscape[1].
International Patent Offices
To assess the global reach of similar inventions, it is essential to search databases from other international intellectual property offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Related Patents and Applications
Searching through databases like Google Patents, Unified Patents Portal, and the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool can help identify related patents and patent applications that may be relevant to the scope and claims of US10,058,615. This includes looking at patents from the same inventors or assignees, as well as patents in the same technical field[1][4][5].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents, including those related to chemical and pharmaceutical compositions. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and measurements of patent scope, which could be relevant for understanding the economic and research implications of US10,058,615[3].
Market Impact
The invention's potential market impact can be assessed by analyzing the demand for treatments related to dry eye syndrome and other eye care conditions. Market research and industry reports can provide insights into the competitive landscape and the potential for these compositions to dominate the market.
Legal Status and Expiration
Current Status
As of the current date, the patent is active, but its legal status should be verified through official sources like the USPTO or legal counsel to ensure accuracy[4].
Expiration Date
The expiration date of the patent can be calculated based on the grant date and the standard patent term. For a utility patent granted after June 8, 1995, the term is generally 20 years from the earliest filing date of the application[2].
Practical Applications and Benefits
Therapeutic Benefits
The compositions described in US10,058,615 offer therapeutic benefits for conditions such as dry eye syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and other related diseases. These benefits include improved lubrication, reduced inflammation, and enhanced patient comfort[4].
Industrial Applications
Beyond medical applications, semifluorinated alkanes may have industrial uses, such as in the development of new materials or as additives in various products. The patent's scope and claims provide a foundation for exploring these broader applications.
Conclusion
United States Patent 10,058,615 represents a significant innovation in the field of pharmaceutical and chemical compositions, particularly in eye care. Understanding the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape is crucial for inventors, researchers, and industry professionals looking to leverage this technology.
Key Takeaways
- Novel Compositions: The patent introduces novel compositions combining semifluorinated alkanes with compounds prone to oxidation.
- Therapeutic Applications: These compositions are designed to treat conditions like dry eye syndrome and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
- Global Patent Landscape: Searching international patent databases is essential to understand the global reach and related patents.
- Economic Implications: Analyzing patent claims datasets and market research can help assess the economic and research implications.
- Legal Status: The patent is currently active, with an expiration date calculated from the grant date.
FAQs
Q: What are the primary components of the compositions described in US10,058,615?
A: The primary components are semifluorinated alkanes and at least one compound sensitive or prone to oxidation.
Q: What are the therapeutic benefits of these compositions?
A: The compositions offer improved lubrication, reduced inflammation, and enhanced patient comfort for conditions like dry eye syndrome and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Q: How can one search for related patents and prior art?
A: Using tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Common Citation Document (CCD) application, and international patent office databases.
Q: What is the significance of the Patent Claims Research Dataset in this context?
A: It provides detailed information on claims from US patents, helping to analyze trends and measurements of patent scope.
Q: How is the expiration date of the patent calculated?
A: The expiration date is generally 20 years from the earliest filing date of the application.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- PharmaCompass - US Patent 10058615. Retrieved from https://www.pharmacompass.com/us-patent-10058615
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US10058615B2. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US10058615B2/en
- Unified Patents Portal - US-20170143832-A1. Retrieved from https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20170143832-A1