Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 11,116,783
Introduction
United States Patent 11,116,783, titled "Combination formulation of two antiviral compounds," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the field of antiviral treatments. This article provides a detailed analysis of the scope, claims, and patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
The patent, granted on August 31, 2021, discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of two antiviral compounds: Compound I and sofosbuvir. These compounds are combined to create effective treatments for various viral infections[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
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Claim 1: This claim describes the pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound I and an effective amount of sofosbuvir. It sets the foundation for the combination formulation[4].
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Claim 2: This claim specifies the method of administering the combination formulation, which includes the dosage and the form of the pharmaceutical composition[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims, providing additional details and limitations. For example:
- Claim 3: This claim specifies the solid dispersion form of the pharmaceutical composition, which enhances the bioavailability of the antiviral compounds[4].
Subject Matter Eligibility
Given the recent updates in patent eligibility criteria, particularly those related to AI and software inventions, it is crucial to assess whether the claims of this patent meet the subject matter eligibility requirements.
- Practical Application: The claims must integrate the judicial exceptions (e.g., data analysis, mathematical calculations) into a practical application. In this case, the combination formulation and its specific use in treating viral infections provide a meaningful limit and integrate the judicial exception into a practical application, making the claims patent-eligible[1].
Patent Landscape
Patent Coverage
The patent covers specific antiviral drugs, including EPCLUSA and VOSEVI, which are protected under this patent and included in three New Drug Applications (NDAs)[5].
Claim Coverage Matrix
To understand the full scope of protection, a Claim Coverage Matrix can be used. This matrix categorizes patents by claims and scope concepts, helping to identify which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property and where gaps or opportunities exist. For this patent, the matrix would highlight the specific antiviral compounds and their formulations covered by the claims[3].
Scope Concepts
The scope concepts of the patent claims are critical in determining their value and applicability.
- High-Value Claims: These claims directly relate to the current products (e.g., EPCLUSA and VOSEVI) and are highly valuable to the company.
- Medium-Value Claims: These claims indicate potential future directions, such as new formulations or additional antiviral compounds.
- Low-Value Claims: These claims may not be worth maintaining if they do not provide significant protection or future value[3].
Interactive Claim Charts
Using tools like ClaimScape® software, interactive claim charts can be generated to review the patent coverage. These charts help technical experts determine whether a particular scope concept is applicable to a target product or method, identifying gaps in current coverage and highlighting future design opportunities[3].
Real-World Applications
The patent's real-world applications are a crucial factor in its validity and usefulness. The combination formulation of Compound I and sofosbuvir has been shown to be effective in treating various viral infections, providing clear benefits such as improved treatment outcomes and enhanced patient care.
"By specifying the use of the separated audio components in a real-time speech recognition system to enhance the accuracy of voice commands in hands-free environments, this practical application is not considered insignificant extra-solution activity because it provides a tangible outcome that directly benefits the technology by improving the accuracy and functionality of real-time speech recognition systems."[1]
Future Directions and Opportunities
The patent landscape analysis can also reveal future directions and opportunities. For example:
- New Formulations: The patent could be extended to cover new formulations or combinations of antiviral compounds.
- Expanded Indications: The scope could be broadened to include additional viral infections or diseases that could be treated with the combination formulation.
Key Takeaways
- Combination Formulation: The patent protects a specific combination of antiviral compounds, enhancing treatment efficacy.
- Practical Application: The claims integrate judicial exceptions into practical applications, ensuring patent eligibility.
- Patent Coverage: The patent covers specific antiviral drugs and is included in multiple NDAs.
- Scope Concepts: The value of the claims is determined by their applicability to current and future products.
- Real-World Applications: The patent has significant real-world applications in treating viral infections.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main subject of United States Patent 11,116,783?
The main subject is a combination formulation of two antiviral compounds: Compound I and sofosbuvir.
Q2: How does the patent ensure subject matter eligibility?
The patent ensures subject matter eligibility by integrating judicial exceptions into practical applications, such as the specific use of the combination formulation in treating viral infections.
Q3: Which drugs are protected under this patent?
The patent protects EPCLUSA and VOSEVI, among other antiviral treatments.
Q4: What is the role of a Claim Coverage Matrix in patent analysis?
A Claim Coverage Matrix helps identify which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property and where gaps or opportunities exist.
Q5: How can interactive claim charts be used in patent analysis?
Interactive claim charts, generated using tools like ClaimScape® software, help technical experts review patent coverage, identify gaps, and highlight future design opportunities.
Sources
- Understanding the 2024 USPTO Guidance Update on AI Patent - Mintz
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Patent Analytics - Schwegman
- US11116783B2 - Combination formulation of two antiviral compounds - Google Patents
- Drugs covered by patent 11,116,783 - DrugPatentWatch
