United States Patent 10,960,155: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 10,960,155, titled "Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery," is a significant patent in the field of medical devices, particularly those related to medicament delivery. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Overview of the Patent
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US10960155B2
- Prior Art Date: This patent is part of a larger family of patents, with the prior art date indicating the earliest known publication or filing date of related inventions[1].
Invention Description
The patent describes an apparatus that includes a label configured to be coupled to a medicament delivery device. The label has a first surface and a second surface, and it is designed to interact with various components of the medicament delivery system, such as needles, housings, and electronic circuits. The invention encompasses auto-injectors, pen injectors, and other devices used for transdermal delivery, intravenous administration, and other methods of medicament delivery[1].
Scope of the Patent
Technical Scope
The patent covers a wide range of technical aspects, including:
- Mechanisms and Methods: The invention involves various mechanisms for inserting, delivering, and monitoring medicaments. It includes methods for energy storage, communication, and isolation within the device[1].
- Components and Materials: The patent details the use of specific materials such as conductors, substrates, layers, and adhesives. It also describes the construction and etching processes involved in manufacturing these devices[1].
Functional Scope
The functional scope is broad, covering different types of medicament delivery devices:
- Auto-Injectors and Pen Injectors: These devices are designed for easy and precise delivery of medicaments, often used in emergency situations or for chronic conditions[1].
- Transdermal Delivery: The patent includes methods for delivering medicaments through the skin, which is a common approach for drugs like epinephrine[1].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes multiple independent claims that define the core inventions:
- Claim 1: Describes the apparatus with a label coupled to a medicament delivery device, including specific details about the label's surfaces and interactions with the device[1].
- Claim 2: Outlines the method of using the apparatus, including steps for inserting the needle and delivering the medicament[1].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify and narrow down the scope of the independent claims:
- Claim 3: Describes additional features such as visual effects, protective mechanisms, and communication methods within the device[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape in the field of medicament delivery devices is highly competitive and evolving. Other patents and applications in this field often focus on similar aspects such as:
- Inhalators and Aerosol Devices: Patents like those classified under A61M15/00 cover inhalators using medicine packages with incorporated spraying means[1].
- Global Patent Families: The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to see related applications filed at participating IP Offices, indicating a global interest in medicament delivery technologies[4].
Industry Trends and Innovations
The industry is moving towards more sophisticated and user-friendly devices:
- Advanced Materials and Manufacturing: Innovations in materials and manufacturing processes, such as etching and construction methods, are crucial for improving device performance and safety[1].
- Digital Integration: There is a growing trend towards integrating electronic circuits and communication methods into medicament delivery devices to enhance user experience and monitoring capabilities[1].
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
Patent Office Procedures
The USPTO plays a critical role in granting and managing patents. Tools like the Patent Public Search and Global Dossier help in navigating the patent landscape and ensuring that new inventions do not infringe on existing patents[4].
Patent Quality and Scope
Debates over patent quality often revolve around the breadth and clarity of patent claims. Metrics such as independent claim length and count can help measure patent scope, which is crucial for maintaining innovation incentives and reducing litigation costs[3].
Industry Expert Insights
Quotes and Perspectives
Industry experts emphasize the importance of precise and narrow claims to avoid overly broad patents that could stifle innovation.
"Narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process than broader claims," notes a study on patent scope metrics[3].
Statistics and Data
Patent Filings and Grants
The number of patent filings in the medical device sector, particularly for medicament delivery devices, has seen a significant increase over the years. For instance, the USPTO receives thousands of applications annually for devices classified under A61M35/00[4].
Market Impact
The market for medicament delivery devices is substantial and growing, driven by the need for more efficient and safe delivery methods. Auto-injectors, for example, have become increasingly popular due to their ease of use and precision in delivering critical medications.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Coverage: The patent covers a wide range of technical and functional aspects of medicament delivery devices.
- Global Relevance: The invention is part of a global patent family, indicating its significance across different jurisdictions.
- Industry Trends: The industry is moving towards more advanced materials, digital integration, and user-friendly designs.
- Legal Considerations: Precise and narrow claims are crucial for maintaining patent quality and avoiding legal disputes.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 10,960,155?
The main focus of this patent is on devices, systems, and methods for medicament delivery, particularly involving auto-injectors and other delivery mechanisms.
How does the patent describe the label component?
The patent describes a label with a first surface and a second surface, designed to be coupled to a medicament delivery device, interacting with various components such as needles and electronic circuits.
What are some of the key technical aspects covered by the patent?
The patent covers mechanisms for insertion, delivery, and monitoring of medicaments, as well as the use of specific materials like conductors, substrates, and adhesives.
How does the patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
The patent is part of a competitive and evolving field of medicament delivery devices, with related patents and applications focusing on similar aspects such as inhalators and aerosol devices.
What are the implications of this patent for the industry?
The patent reflects industry trends towards more sophisticated, user-friendly, and digitally integrated medicament delivery devices, which are crucial for improving patient outcomes and safety.
Sources
- US10960155B2 - Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery - Google Patents
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - SSRN
- Search for patents - USPTO
