United States Patent 10,507,132: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 10,507,132, titled "Topical administration method," is a patent that outlines a method for the topical administration of ophthalmic compositions. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US10507132B2
- Filing Date: Related to application US16/312,855
- Prior Art Date: Relevant dates indicate the timeline of the invention's development and its precedence over other similar inventions[4].
Invention Description
The patent describes a method for the topical administration of ophthalmic compositions, specifically in a dropwise manner. This method is designed for the efficient and precise delivery of ophthalmic drugs, addressing issues such as dry eye syndromes and other ocular disorders[4].
Scope of the Patent
Technical Scope
The patent focuses on the technical aspects of delivering ophthalmic compositions. It includes details on the use of a dropper, the composition of the liquid, and the design of the bottle to ensure accurate and consistent drop sizes. The scope is narrow, targeting a specific application within ophthalmology[4].
Market Scope
The market scope involves the treatment of various ocular conditions, including dry eye syndromes, which are common and affect a significant population. The method described could be a valuable addition to existing treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the core aspects of the invention. These claims typically cover the method of administration, the composition of the ophthalmic solution, and the apparatus used for delivery. For example, Claim 1 might describe the method of administering the composition in a dropwise manner using a specific type of dropper[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims, providing additional details or variations of the invention. These could include specific concentrations of active ingredients, the material of the dropper, or additional steps in the administration process. These claims help to further define the scope of the invention and protect against potential infringements[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent landscape includes an analysis of prior art, which involves examining existing patents and publications related to ophthalmic drug delivery. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, for instance, consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices, helping to identify relevant prior art quickly[1].
Competing Patents
Other patents in the field of ophthalmic drug delivery are relevant to understanding the competitive landscape. For example, patents related to drug delivery vehicles, such as those involving micronized particles, could be seen as competitors or complementary technologies[5].
International Patent Offices
The global patent landscape is crucial, as similar inventions may have been patented in other countries. Databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) are essential for a comprehensive search[1].
Search Resources
USPTO Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers several resources for searching patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Public Search Facility. These resources are invaluable for conducting thorough searches and understanding the patent landscape[1].
International Databases
Access to international patent databases, such as esp@cenet by the EPO and PATENTSCOPE by WIPO, is crucial for a global perspective. These databases provide machine translations and full-text searches, facilitating a more comprehensive analysis[1].
Economic and Legal Implications
Market Impact
The economic impact of this patent could be significant, especially if the method proves more effective or efficient than existing treatments. It could lead to increased market share for the patent holder and improved patient outcomes.
Legal Considerations
The legal status of the patent, including any office actions or litigation, is critical. The Patent Examination Data System (PEDS) and the Patent Assignment Search website can provide insights into the patent's legal history and current status[1].
Expert Insights
Industry Experts
Industry experts in ophthalmology and pharmaceuticals can provide valuable insights into the practical applications and potential impact of this patent. For instance, "The creation of the CCD application is part of an ongoing process of technical harmonization at the international level aimed at establishing an appropriate infrastructure to facilitate greater integration of the global patent system," highlights the importance of harmonization in patent searches[1].
Statistics and Trends
Patent Scope Measurements
Research datasets, such as the Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO, provide detailed information on claims and patent scope. These datasets can help in understanding trends in patent scope and the impact of such patents on the industry[3].
Citation Data
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates citation data from multiple patent offices, providing a single point of access to prior art citations. This can help in identifying the relevance and impact of the patent within the broader patent landscape[1].
Key Takeaways
- Specific Method: The patent describes a specific method for topical administration of ophthalmic compositions.
- Technical and Market Scope: The scope is narrow technically but has significant market potential.
- Claims Structure: Independent and dependent claims define the core and variations of the invention.
- Prior Art and Competitors: A thorough search of prior art and competing patents is essential.
- Global Perspective: International databases and resources are crucial for a comprehensive analysis.
- Economic and Legal Implications: The patent could have significant economic and legal implications.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 10,507,132?
A: The main focus is a method for the topical administration of ophthalmic compositions in a dropwise manner.
Q: How can one search for similar patents internationally?
A: One can use databases such as esp@cenet by the EPO, PATENTSCOPE by WIPO, and other international patent offices' databases.
Q: What resources does the USPTO provide for patent searching?
A: The USPTO provides resources like the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, Public Search Facility, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs).
Q: How important is prior art in patent analysis?
A: Prior art is crucial as it helps in understanding the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention and in identifying potential competitors.
Q: Where can one find detailed information on patent claims and scope?
A: The Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO and other research datasets provide detailed information on claims and patent scope.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- DrugPatentWatch - Patent 10,507,132: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/10507132
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US10507132B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10507132B2/en
- Unified Patents - WO-2022235252-A1: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/WO-2022235252-A1
