Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 11,033,521
Introduction
United States Patent 11,033,521, titled "Levodopa fractionated dose composition and use," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. This patent, issued on June 15, 2021, to AVION PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC, introduces a novel approach to administering levodopa, a crucial medication for managing Parkinson's symptoms.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by Chase Thomas N and Clarence-Smith Kathleen E., and it is assigned to AVION PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC. This assignment indicates that AVION PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC holds the rights to the invention and its commercial exploitation[1].
Patent Claims
The patent claims are a critical component of any patent, as they define the scope of the invention and what is protected by the patent.
Independent Claims
The patent includes independent claims that outline the core invention. These claims typically describe the novel and non-obvious aspects of the invention. For Patent 11,033,521, the independent claims focus on a new method of administering levodopa in a fractionated dose, mimicking continuous intravenous or infusion treatment. This approach is designed to mitigate motor complications associated with traditional levodopa therapy[1].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims by adding additional elements or subcombinations. These claims often provide more specific details about the invention and can include variations or enhancements of the core invention. In this patent, dependent claims may cover specific formulations, dosing regimens, or other aspects of the levodopa fractionated dose composition[4].
Patent Scope
The scope of a patent is determined by the language of the claims and the total disclosure contained in the patent. Here, the scope includes:
Method of Administration
The patent covers a method of administering levodopa in a way that mimics continuous intravenous or infusion treatment. This method involves frequent administration of optimal levodopa doses to reduce motor complications[1].
Pharmaceutical Unit Form
The patent also describes a new carbidopa/levodopa pharmaceutical unit form that facilitates this new treatment method. This unit form is designed to provide a convenient and effective way to deliver the fractionated doses[1].
Patent Analysis and Classification
Patent analysis involves interpreting the claimed subject matter in light of the total disclosure. For Patent 11,033,521, the classification process would involve:
Primary Classification
The primary classification would be based on the main inventive concept, which in this case is the method and composition for administering levodopa in a fractionated dose. This would likely fall under a subclass related to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment for Parkinson's disease[4].
Secondary Classifications
Secondary classifications would be assigned to additional invention information disclosed in the patent, such as specific formulations, dosing regimens, or other related aspects. These classifications help in organizing the patent for search purposes and ensure that the invention is properly categorized within the patent classification system[4].
Patent Expiration Dates
The patent is set to expire on March 28, 2039. This expiration date is crucial for understanding the period during which the patent holders have exclusive rights to the invention[1].
Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry
This patent has significant implications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. By providing a new method of administering levodopa that reduces motor complications, it offers a potential improvement in the quality of life for patients. The pharmaceutical industry may see increased interest in developing similar fractionated dose compositions, and this patent could set a new standard for Parkinson's treatment.
Litigation and Licensing Strategies
The proposed changes to terminal disclaimer practices by the USPTO, as discussed in recent updates, could impact how patents like 11,033,521 are managed in terms of litigation and licensing. For instance, the new rules aim to reduce the complexity and cost associated with challenging patents tied by terminal disclaimers, which could affect how AVION PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC navigates any potential disputes or licensing agreements related to this patent[5].
Metrics for Measuring Patent Scope
Research on patent scope often uses metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count to assess the breadth and clarity of patent claims. For Patent 11,033,521, these metrics would help in evaluating how narrowly or broadly the claims are defined and how they might impact future innovations in the field[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 11,033,521 represents a significant advancement in the treatment of Parkinson's disease through the development of a levodopa fractionated dose composition. Understanding the scope and claims of this patent is essential for both the pharmaceutical industry and legal practitioners. The patent's impact on treatment methods, its classification within the patent system, and its potential implications for litigation and licensing strategies make it a critical piece of intellectual property.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Overview: The patent introduces a new method of administering levodopa in fractionated doses to mitigate motor complications in Parkinson's disease.
- Claims and Scope: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the method and composition for this new treatment approach.
- Classification: The patent is classified based on its main inventive concept and additional invention information.
- Expiration Date: The patent expires on March 28, 2039.
- Industry Impact: The patent has significant implications for Parkinson's treatment and could influence future developments in the field.
- Litigation and Licensing: Proposed changes to terminal disclaimer practices may affect how this patent is managed in terms of litigation and licensing.
FAQs
Q: What is the main invention described in United States Patent 11,033,521?
A: The main invention is a method of administering levodopa in fractionated doses to mimic continuous intravenous or infusion treatment, reducing motor complications in Parkinson's disease.
Q: Who are the inventors of this patent?
A: The inventors are Chase Thomas N and Clarence-Smith Kathleen E.
Q: What is the assigned entity for this patent?
A: The patent is assigned to AVION PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC.
Q: When does the patent expire?
A: The patent expires on March 28, 2039.
Q: How does this patent impact the treatment of Parkinson's disease?
A: It offers a new method of administering levodopa that can reduce motor complications, potentially improving the quality of life for patients.
Sources
- Drugs.com: Generic Dhivy Availability - Drugs.com
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset
- SSRN: Patent Claims and Patent Scope
- USPTO: Patent Analysis for Placement into System (Claimed Disclosure)
- Sterne Kessler: United States Patent and Trademark Office Proposes Changes to Terminal Disclaimer Practice
