Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 10,881,659
Introduction
United States Patent 10,881,659 is a significant intellectual property right that has garnered attention in the pharmaceutical industry. This patent is associated with AbbVie Inc. and pertains to the composition and method of treating heavy menstrual bleeding. In this analysis, we will delve into the scope and claims of this patent, examining its relevance and implications in the context of patent law and pharmaceutical innovation.
Patent Overview
Title: Methods of treating heavy menstrual bleeding
Patent Number: 10,881,659 B2
Issued Date: January 16, 2021
Background and Summary of the Invention
The patent describes methods for treating heavy menstrual bleeding in subjects with or without uterine fibroids. It outlines a treatment regimen involving the administration of specific pharmaceutical compositions designed to alleviate symptoms associated with heavy menstrual bleeding[4].
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of protection. Key claims include:
- Claim 1: A method of treating heavy menstrual bleeding in a subject with or without uterine fibroids, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of elagolix and estradiol[4].
- Claim 2: A pharmaceutical composition for treating heavy menstrual bleeding in a subject with or without uterine fibroids, comprising elagolix and estradiol[4].
- Claim 3: A method of treating heavy menstrual bleeding in a subject with or without uterine fibroids, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising elagolix and estradiol, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered orally[4].
Scope of Protection
The scope of protection for this patent is broad but specific to the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding using a combination of elagolix and estradiol. The claims cover both the method of treatment and the pharmaceutical composition itself, providing comprehensive protection for AbbVie Inc.'s innovation.
Implications in Patent Law
The patent's claims are significant in the context of patent law because they illustrate how specific combinations of drugs can be patented for their therapeutic effects. This highlights the importance of detailed claim drafting in securing intellectual property rights.
Relevance in Pharmaceutical Innovation
This patent is relevant in the pharmaceutical industry because it addresses a common medical condition—heavy menstrual bleeding—and provides a specific treatment regimen that combines two known drugs (elagolix and estradiol) to achieve therapeutic benefits. The patent's issuance underscores the value of combining existing drugs to create new therapeutic options.
Potential Litigation and Infringement
Given the specificity of the claims, any potential infringement would need to demonstrate that the infringing product or method does not fall within the scope defined by the patent's claims. For instance, if another company were to develop a similar combination therapy without infringing on AbbVie's patent, it would need to show that its product or method does not meet all the criteria outlined in the patent's claims[2].
Conclusion
United States Patent 10,881,659 represents a significant intellectual property right in the pharmaceutical industry. Its detailed claims and scope provide comprehensive protection for AbbVie Inc.'s innovative treatment method for heavy menstrual bleeding. The patent's relevance extends beyond its specific application to highlight the importance of precise claim drafting in securing intellectual property rights and advancing pharmaceutical innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Title: Methods of treating heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Patent Number: 10,881,659 B2.
- Issued Date: January 16, 2021.
- Claims: Include methods and compositions for treating heavy menstrual bleeding using elagolix and estradiol.
- Scope: Broad but specific to the combination therapy of elagolix and estradiol for treating heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Implications: Highlights the importance of detailed claim drafting in securing intellectual property rights.
- Relevance: Addresses a common medical condition and provides a specific treatment regimen.
FAQs
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What is the primary focus of United States Patent 10,881,659?
- The primary focus is on methods and compositions for treating heavy menstrual bleeding using elagolix and estradiol.
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Who owns the patent?
- The patent is owned by AbbVie Inc.
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What are the key claims of the patent?
- Key claims include methods of treating heavy menstrual bleeding with a combination of elagolix and estradiol, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising these drugs.
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How does this patent impact pharmaceutical innovation?
- It highlights the value of combining existing drugs to create new therapeutic options and underscores the importance of precise claim drafting in securing intellectual property rights.
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What are the potential implications if another company were to develop a similar treatment?
- Any potential infringement would need to demonstrate that the infringing product or method does not fall within the scope defined by the patent's claims.
Cited Information
- [4] - United States Patent 10,881,659 B2: Methods of treating heavy menstrual bleeding.
- [2] - AbbVie Inc. v. Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc., et al., C.A. No. 23-133-RGA: Patent infringement litigation involving similar pharmaceutical compositions.
- [3] - Patent Claims and Patent Scope by Alan C. Marco et al.: Discussion on patent scope and claim clarity in intellectual property law.
