United States Patent 11,771,624: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 11,771,624, titled "Sustained release drug delivery systems with reduced impurities and related methods," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical sector. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US11771624B2
- Authority: United States
- Prior Art Date: January 13, 2020 (from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/960,565)[2][5].
Scope of the Patent
The patent pertains to sustained release drug delivery systems designed to minimize impurities. This is crucial in pharmaceuticals, as reducing impurities can enhance the efficacy and safety of drug delivery systems.
Key Aspects
- Composition: The patent describes specific compositions for sustained release drug delivery systems, focusing on reducing impurities to acceptable levels (e.g., parts per million)[2].
- Pharmaceutical Composition: The invention involves pharmaceutical compositions that are formulated to ensure sustained release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient with minimal impurities[2].
Claims of the Patent
The claims of a patent are critical as they define the scope of the invention and what is protected by the patent.
Claim Structure
- The patent includes multiple claims that outline the specific aspects of the sustained release drug delivery systems. These claims cover the composition, method of preparation, and the characteristics of the final product[2].
- Independent and Dependent Claims: The patent likely includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims stand alone and define the invention, while dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional details or limitations[3].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is essential for assessing the novelty, non-obviousness, and the competitive environment of the invention.
Global Dossier and Patent Family
- The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This can help in understanding the global reach and related patents of US11771624B2[1].
International Patent Offices
- To assess the global patent landscape, one must also search databases from other international intellectual property offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Related Patents and Prior Art
- The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application. This tool can help identify prior art and related patents that may impact the scope of US11771624B2[1].
Economic and Technological Trends
Patent Activity in the Pharmaceutical Sector
- The pharmaceutical sector is highly active in terms of patent filings. According to USPTO data, patents in this sector are often granted to businesses, with a significant portion going to foreign entities. This indicates a competitive and globally interconnected market[4].
Technological Fields
- The patent falls under the broader category of chemical and pharmaceutical technologies. The USPTO classifies patents into detailed technology areas, and this patent would be categorized under fields related to pharmaceutical compositions and drug delivery systems[4].
Practical Implications
Protection and Exclusivity
- The patent grants the inventors exclusive rights to make, use, or sell the sustained release drug delivery systems with reduced impurities. This exclusivity is crucial for protecting the intellectual property and ensuring a return on investment in research and development[4].
Market Impact
- The invention could significantly impact the market by providing safer and more effective drug delivery systems. This could lead to improved patient outcomes and increased market share for the patent holders[5].
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers sustained release drug delivery systems with a focus on reducing impurities, defined by specific claims that outline the composition and method of preparation.
- Patent Landscape: The invention is part of a broader global patent landscape, with related patents and prior art that can be accessed through tools like the Global Dossier and CCD.
- Economic and Technological Trends: The patent is part of a highly active pharmaceutical sector, with significant implications for market competition and patient outcomes.
- Practical Implications: The patent provides exclusivity and protection, which are crucial for the commercial success of the invention.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 11,771,624?
The main focus of this patent is on sustained release drug delivery systems designed to minimize impurities.
How does the patent protect the invention?
The patent grants exclusive rights to make, use, or sell the sustained release drug delivery systems with reduced impurities.
What tools can be used to understand the global patent landscape of this invention?
Tools such as the Global Dossier and the Common Citation Document (CCD) can be used to understand the global patent landscape.
Which international patent offices should be consulted for related patents?
International patent offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) should be consulted.
What is the potential market impact of this invention?
The invention could lead to improved patient outcomes and increased market share for the patent holders by providing safer and more effective drug delivery systems.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US11771624B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US11771624B2/en
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics - Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends: https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20204/invention-u-s-and-comparative-global-trends
- DrugPatentWatch - Patent 11,771,624: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/11771624