United States Patent 10,441,543: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 10,441,543, titled "Processes for making cyclic lipid implants for intraocular use," is a significant patent in the field of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. This patent, granted to innovators in the healthcare sector, outlines a novel method for producing biocompatible implants. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication and Grant Details
The patent, numbered US10441543B2, was granted on October 8, 2019, following the submission of the patent application on September 11, 2015. The patent is classified under various categories within the International Patent Classification (IPC) system, including A61P27/00 and A61P27/02, which pertain to ophthalmic agents and therapeutic activities related to disorders of the senses[4].
Scope of the Patent
Technical Description
The patent describes a process for manufacturing biocompatible implants containing cyclic lipid therapeutic agents. These implants are designed for intraocular use and are produced using a low-temperature melt extrusion process. This method ensures the stability and efficacy of the therapeutic agent within the implant, making it suitable for ophthalmic applications[4][5].
Key Innovations
- Low-Temperature Melt Extrusion: The patent highlights the use of a low-temperature melt extrusion process, which is crucial for preserving the integrity of the cyclic lipid therapeutic agent.
- Biocompatibility: The implants are designed to be biocompatible, ensuring minimal adverse reactions when used intraocularly.
- Therapeutic Agent: The cyclic lipid therapeutic agent, such as bimatoprost, is integrated into the implant, providing a sustained release mechanism for treating ophthalmic conditions.
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes several independent and dependent claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
- Independent Claim 1: This claim describes the process for making the cyclic lipid implants, including the steps of mixing the therapeutic agent with a polymer, extruding the mixture at a low temperature, and shaping the extruded material into an implant.
- Dependent Claims: These claims further specify the materials used, such as the type of polymer and therapeutic agent, and the conditions under which the extrusion process is conducted[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape for US10441543B2 includes other patents and applications related to ophthalmic implants and therapeutic agents. For instance:
- European Patent EP-3308769-A1: This patent also describes processes for making cyclic lipid implants for intraocular use, highlighting the international scope of similar innovations[5].
- Global Dossier: Through the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, users can access related applications filed at participating IP Offices, including the IP5 Offices. This helps in understanding the global patent family and prior art citations relevant to this invention[1].
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites several prior art references, including patents and scientific literature related to ophthalmic agents and implant manufacturing processes. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates these citations, providing a single point of access to prior art cited by multiple offices for the same invention[1].
Impact on the Industry
Innovation and Competition
The granting of this patent signifies a significant innovation in the field of ophthalmic implants, potentially influencing the development of new therapeutic agents and delivery systems. It also sets a benchmark for competitors, who may need to navigate around these claims to develop similar products.
Licensing and Litigation
The scope and claims of this patent could impact licensing agreements and potential litigation. Narrower claims, as validated by research, are associated with a higher probability of grant and shorter examination processes, which can reduce licensing and litigation costs[3].
International Patent Search
Global Patent Databases
To fully understand the patent landscape, it is essential to search international patent databases. Resources such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, the Japan Patent Office's database, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE provide access to global patent collections and machine translations, helping to identify similar inventions and prior art worldwide[1].
Public Search Facilities
USPTO Resources
The USPTO offers several resources for conducting thorough patent searches, including the Patent Public Search tool, the Public Search Facility in Alexandria, VA, and the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs). These resources are invaluable for researchers and inventors seeking to understand the existing patent landscape and ensure the novelty of their inventions[1].
Conclusion
United States Patent 10,441,543 represents a significant advancement in the production of biocompatible implants for intraocular use. Understanding the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape is crucial for innovators, researchers, and industry professionals. This analysis highlights the importance of thorough patent searches, the impact of patent claims on innovation and competition, and the global context of patent protection.
Key Takeaways
- Novel Manufacturing Process: The patent introduces a low-temperature melt extrusion process for making cyclic lipid implants.
- Biocompatibility and Therapeutic Efficacy: The implants are designed to be biocompatible and effective for ophthalmic applications.
- Global Patent Landscape: The invention is part of a broader global patent landscape, with similar patents and applications filed in various jurisdictions.
- Impact on Industry: The patent influences innovation, competition, licensing, and litigation in the field of ophthalmic implants.
- Public Search Resources: Utilizing USPTO resources and international patent databases is essential for thorough patent searches.
FAQs
What is the main innovation described in US Patent 10,441,543?
The main innovation is the use of a low-temperature melt extrusion process for making biocompatible cyclic lipid implants for intraocular use.
How does the patent classify the implants?
The implants are classified under IPC categories A61P27/00 and A61P27/02, related to ophthalmic agents and therapeutic activities for disorders of the senses.
What are the key claims of the patent?
The key claims include the process of mixing the therapeutic agent with a polymer, extruding the mixture at a low temperature, and shaping the extruded material into an implant.
How does the Global Dossier service help in understanding the patent landscape?
The Global Dossier service provides access to related applications filed at participating IP Offices, including the IP5 Offices, along with dossier, classification, and citation data.
What resources are available for conducting thorough patent searches?
Resources include the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, the Public Search Facility, Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), and international patent databases such as esp@cenet and PATENTSCOPE.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- DrugPatentWatch - Patent 10,441,543: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/10441543
- SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Google Patents - US10441543B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10441543B2/en
- PubChem - Processes for making cyclic lipid implants: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/EP-3308769-A1
