Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 10,517,882: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction to Patent 10,517,882
The United States Patent 10,517,882, hereafter referred to as the '882 patent, is a critical component of the intellectual property portfolio of VYNE Therapeutics Inc., particularly in relation to their product Amzeeq® foam. This patent is part of a broader set of patents listed in the Orange Book, which are crucial for protecting the intellectual property rights of pharmaceutical products.
Understanding the Patent System
Before diving into the specifics of the '882 patent, it is essential to understand the broader patent system. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. Patents are granted for inventions that meet the criteria of novelty, non-obviousness, and usefulness[2].
Patent Search and Analysis Tools
To analyze the '882 patent, one must utilize various patent search and analysis tools. The USPTO provides several resources, including the Patent Public Search tool, which replaced legacy search tools like PubEast and PubWest. This tool offers enhanced access to prior art and improves the overall patent searching process[4].
The '882 Patent: Overview
The '882 patent, titled "Compositions, Gels and Foams with Rheology Modifying Polymers and Their Uses," is one of the patents listed in connection with Amzeeq® foam. This patent was duly and legally issued and is part of the Orange Book patents that protect VYNE Therapeutics Inc.'s product.
Claims of the '882 Patent
The claims of a patent are the most critical part as they define the scope of the invention. The '882 patent includes multiple claims that cover various aspects of the compositions, gels, and foams, as well as their methods of use. These claims are specific and detailed, ensuring that the invention is protected against infringement.
Scope of the '882 Patent
The scope of the '882 patent is defined by its claims and the description provided in the patent specification. It covers compositions that include rheology modifying polymers, which are used in topical formulations such as foams and gels. The patent also includes methods for treating various skin conditions using these compositions.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
The '882 patent is part of a larger patent family related to Amzeeq® foam. Other patents in this family include U.S. Patent Nos. 8,865,139, 8,945,516, 8,992,896, 9,675,700, 10,086,080, 10,137,200, 10,213,512, 10,265,404, 10,398,641, and 10,849,847. These patents collectively protect various aspects of Amzeeq® foam, including its composition, method of manufacture, and use[5].
Global Dossier and International Patent Family
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This service is useful for understanding the international patent landscape and how the '882 patent fits into it[4].
Legal and Regulatory Implications
The '882 patent has significant legal and regulatory implications. For instance, any generic version of Amzeeq® foam would need to navigate the claims of this patent to avoid infringement. The submission of an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) by another company, as seen in the case of Perrigo Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd., triggers a legal process where the patent holder can assert their rights under the patent laws of the United States[5].
Patent Infringement and Litigation
Patent infringement cases, such as the one involving VYNE Therapeutics Inc. and Perrigo Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd., highlight the importance of the '882 patent. The plaintiff alleges that the defendant's ANDA submission infringes on the claims of the '882 patent, among others. This underscores the critical role patents play in protecting intellectual property and the legal battles that can ensue when these rights are challenged[5].
Utilizing Patent Datasets for Analysis
For a deeper analysis, researchers can use datasets such as the Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO. This dataset contains detailed information on claims from U.S. patents granted between 1976 and 2014 and U.S. patent applications published between 2001 and 2014. It includes claim-level statistics and document-level statistics, which can help in understanding the scope and impact of the '882 patent[3].
Conclusion
The United States Patent 10,517,882 is a pivotal patent in the intellectual property portfolio of VYNE Therapeutics Inc., particularly for their product Amzeeq® foam. Understanding the claims, scope, and legal implications of this patent is crucial for both the patent holder and potential competitors. The use of advanced patent search and analysis tools, along with datasets and legal resources, provides a comprehensive view of the patent landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Claims: The '882 patent includes specific claims that define the scope of the invention, protecting compositions, gels, and foams with rheology modifying polymers.
- Patent Landscape: The '882 patent is part of a larger patent family related to Amzeeq® foam, including multiple other U.S. patents.
- Legal Implications: The patent has significant legal implications, particularly in cases of generic drug submissions and potential infringement.
- Global Dossier: The Global Dossier service helps in understanding the international patent family and related applications.
- Patent Datasets: Datasets like the Patent Claims Research Dataset can be used for detailed analysis of patent claims and statistics.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of the '882 patent?
The '882 patent primarily covers compositions, gels, and foams with rheology modifying polymers and their uses, particularly in relation to Amzeeq® foam.
Q: How can one search for the '882 patent and related documents?
One can use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool or visit the USPTO Public Search Facility to search for the '882 patent and related documents[4].
Q: What is the significance of the Global Dossier in patent searching?
The Global Dossier provides a single portal to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping users understand the international patent family[4].
Q: How do patent datasets help in analyzing the '882 patent?
Patent datasets, such as the Patent Claims Research Dataset, provide detailed information on claims, claim-level statistics, and document-level statistics, which can be used to analyze the scope and impact of the '882 patent[3].
Q: What are the legal implications of the '882 patent in the context of generic drug submissions?
The '882 patent has significant legal implications for generic drug submissions, as any generic version of Amzeeq® foam must navigate the claims of this patent to avoid infringement[5].
Sources
- Clemson University Libraries - Research and Course Guides: Patent Searching, Advanced[1].
- USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[2].
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset[3].
- USPTO - Search for patents[4].
- IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE - VYNE Therapeutics Inc. v. PADAGIS ISRAEL PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.[5].
