United States Patent 11,661,425: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 11,661,425 is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly protecting drugs like RINVOQ and RINVOQ LQ. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Patent Title and Abstract
The patent titled "Methods of treating inflammatory conditions" protects specific formulations and methods related to the drugs RINVOQ and RINVOQ LQ. These drugs are used in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and atopic dermatitis.
Patent Claims
The claims of a patent are crucial as they define the scope of the invention. For Patent 11,661,425, the claims include:
- Independent Claims: These claims define the core invention and are typically broader in scope. They may include specific formulations, dosages, and methods of administration.
- Dependent Claims: These claims are narrower and build upon the independent claims, often specifying particular aspects or variations of the invention.
For example, an independent claim might state: "A method of treating psoriatic arthritis comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition containing a specific active ingredient." Dependent claims could then specify the dosage regimen, the form of the pharmaceutical composition (e.g., tablet, injection), or the patient population[5].
Scope of the Patent
Patent Scope Metrics
The scope of a patent can be measured using various metrics, such as independent claim length and independent claim count. These metrics can indicate the breadth and complexity of the patent. For instance, narrower claims at publication are often associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process compared to broader claims[3].
Patent Maintenance and Citation Analysis
The maintenance of a patent, including payment of maintenance fees, and the number of forward citations it receives can also indicate its scope and influence. Forward citations, which are citations received by the patent from subsequent patents, can measure the impact and relevance of the patented invention in the field. In the case of Patent 11,661,425, analyzing these metrics can provide insights into its significance and the breadth of its protection.
Patent Landscape
Competing Patents and Prior Art
Understanding the patent landscape involves identifying competing patents and prior art that may limit the scope of Patent 11,661,425. This can be done using tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search or international databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet or the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE[1].
Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Global Dossier and CCD tools can be particularly useful in this context. The Global Dossier provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, allowing users to see the patent family and related applications. The CCD consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application, helping to visualize the search results on a single page[1].
International Patent Protection
Patent Families and Global Coverage
Patent 11,661,425 may be part of a larger patent family with protection in multiple jurisdictions. Analyzing the patent families, including U.S., EPO, and WIPO patents, can provide a comprehensive view of the global protection and influence of the invention. For instance, the report on EERE-funded patents highlights how patents can be grouped into families and span multiple patent systems, indicating their broader impact[4].
Expiration and Licensing
Patent Expiration Date
The expiration date of Patent 11,661,425 is crucial for understanding the timeline of its protection. After the patent expires, the protected inventions enter the public domain, allowing others to use the technology without infringement. For pharmaceutical patents, this can significantly impact the market by allowing generic versions of the drug to be produced[5].
Licensing and Litigation
The scope and claims of the patent also influence licensing agreements and potential litigation. Broader claims may lead to more licensing opportunities but also increase the risk of litigation. Narrower claims, while reducing litigation risk, may limit licensing opportunities. The study on small claims patent courts highlights the complexities and considerations in patent litigation, which can be relevant for managing disputes related to Patent 11,661,425[2].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Claims: The claims define the scope of the invention and are critical for understanding what is protected.
- Patent Scope Metrics: Metrics like independent claim length and count can indicate the breadth and complexity of the patent.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding competing patents and prior art is essential for navigating the patent landscape.
- Global Protection: Analyzing patent families across multiple jurisdictions provides insights into global protection and influence.
- Expiration and Licensing: The expiration date and licensing agreements are vital for strategic planning and market impact.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary purpose of Patent 11,661,425?
A: The primary purpose of Patent 11,661,425 is to protect specific formulations and methods related to the drugs RINVOQ and RINVOQ LQ, used in treating inflammatory conditions.
Q: How can the scope of a patent be measured?
A: The scope of a patent can be measured using metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count, as well as by analyzing maintenance payments and forward citations.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape?
A: Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD) can be used to analyze the patent landscape and identify competing patents and prior art.
Q: How does the expiration date of a patent impact its protection?
A: The expiration date marks the end of the patent's protection period, after which the inventions enter the public domain, allowing others to use the technology without infringement.
Q: Why is licensing important for patents like 11,661,425?
A: Licensing agreements can generate revenue and expand the use of the patented technology, but the scope of the claims can influence both licensing opportunities and litigation risks.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO.
- ACUS: U.S. Patent Small Claims Court.
- SSRN: Patent Claims and Patent Scope.
- U.S. Department of Energy: The Influence of Patents in Twenty R&D Portfolios Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.
- DrugPatentWatch: Pharmaceutical drugs covered by patent 11,661,425.
