Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 11,197,835
Introduction
United States Patent 11,197,835, titled "Method of administering amantadine prior to a sleep period," is a patent that outlines a specific method for the administration of amantadine to reduce sleep disturbances in patients undergoing treatment with this drug. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US11197835B2
- Authority: United States
- Prior Art Date: The patent application was filed on October 25, 2019, and the patent was granted on October 3, 2023[5].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent is defined by its claims, which are the legal boundaries of what the patent protects.
Claim Structure
The patent includes multiple claims, each defining a specific aspect of the invention. Here are some key points:
- Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the broadest scope of the invention. For example, Claim 1 might describe the method of administering amantadine prior to a sleep period in a general sense.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims and provide more specific details. For instance, a dependent claim might specify the dosage, timing, or formulation of amantadine[5].
Claim Language and Scope
The language used in the claims is crucial for determining the patent's scope. According to research, the length and count of independent claims can be metrics for measuring patent scope. Narrower claims, as seen in this patent, are often associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claim 1
- This claim typically defines the core method of administering amantadine, including the timing relative to the sleep period and any specific conditions or patient groups.
- For example: "A method of administering amantadine to a patient, comprising administering a composition comprising amantadine to the patient prior to a sleep period, wherein the administration reduces sleep disturbances in the patient"[5].
Dependent Claims
- These claims further specify the method, such as the dosage range, the form of the composition (e.g., capsule, tablet), and any additional components.
- Example: "The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises amantadine in an amount of about 100 mg to about 200 mg"[5].
Prior Art and Novelty
Prior Art Keywords
The patent lists several prior art keywords, including "amantadine," "hours," "composition," "administration," and "AUC" (Area Under the Curve), indicating the areas where the invention builds upon existing knowledge[5].
Novelty
The novelty of the patent lies in the specific method of administering amantadine prior to a sleep period to reduce sleep disturbances. This is a unique application of an existing drug, distinguishing it from prior art.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to search for related patents and applications. Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Google Patents, and international databases such as Espacenet and Patentscope can be used to identify similar inventions and prior art[1][4].
Global Dossier
Using the Global Dossier service, one can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, including the IP5 Offices. This helps in identifying the patent family and any international filings related to the invention[1].
Citation Data
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates citation data from multiple offices, providing a single point of access to prior art cited by all participating offices. This is useful for understanding how different patent offices have treated similar inventions[1].
Industry Impact and Applications
Medical Applications
The method described in this patent has direct implications for patients undergoing treatment with amantadine, particularly those suffering from Parkinson's disease or dyskinesia. By reducing sleep disturbances, this method can improve the quality of life for these patients[5].
Pharmaceutical Industry
For pharmaceutical companies, this patent highlights the importance of optimizing drug administration methods to enhance patient outcomes. It also underscores the value of conducting thorough clinical trials to identify optimal dosing and timing strategies.
Legal Status and Expiration
- Legal Status: The patent is currently active, but the exact expiration date depends on the filing date and any maintenance fees paid. Generally, U.S. patents expire 20 years from the earliest filing date[5].
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent's scope is defined by its claims, with a focus on the method of administering amantadine prior to a sleep period.
- Novelty: The invention is novel in its specific application of amantadine to reduce sleep disturbances.
- Patent Landscape: The broader landscape includes related patents and applications accessible through various search tools and databases.
- Industry Impact: The patent has significant implications for improving patient outcomes in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other conditions.
FAQs
What is the main claim of United States Patent 11,197,835?
The main claim of this patent is a method of administering amantadine to a patient prior to a sleep period to reduce sleep disturbances.
How does this patent differ from prior art?
This patent differs from prior art by specifying a unique method of administering amantadine at a particular time relative to the patient's sleep period.
What are the potential benefits of this patent for patients?
The potential benefits include improved sleep quality and reduced sleep disturbances for patients undergoing treatment with amantadine, particularly those with Parkinson's disease or dyskinesia.
How can one search for related patents and applications?
One can use tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Google Patents, Espacenet, and Patentscope to search for related patents and applications.
What is the significance of the Global Dossier in patent searching?
The Global Dossier provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping users identify the patent family and any international filings related to the invention.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov: https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - Search eLibrary :: SSRN: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Patent search: A comparative table of databases - Fast Answers: https://asklib.library.hbs.edu/faq/266950
- Method of administering amantadine prior to a sleep period - Google Patents: https://patents.google.com/patent/US11197835B2/en
