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Last Updated: December 22, 2024

Details for Patent: 3,761,590

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Summary for Patent: 3,761,590

Title:	SILVER SULFADIAZINE USED IN THE TREATMENT OF BURNS
Abstract:	Silver sulfadiazine has been found to be useful in burn therapy by applying to the affected surface silver sulfadiazine, preferably dispersed in a water-dispersible hydrophilic carrier.
Inventor(s):	Fox, Jr.; Charles L. (New York, NY)
Assignee:	Research Corporation (New York, NY)
Application Number:	05/038,031
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Use; Composition;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:	United States Patent 3,761,590: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape Introduction United States Patent 3,761,590, titled "Silver Sulfadiazine Used in the Treatment of Burns," is a significant patent that has contributed to the advancement of burn therapy. This patent, issued to Charles L. Fox Jr., describes the use of silver sulfadiazine as an antibacterial agent in treating burns. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention. Background and Invention The Problem Addressed Before the invention described in US 3,761,590, burn treatments often lacked effective antibacterial agents, leading to high infection rates and complications. The patent addresses this issue by introducing silver sulfadiazine as a key component in burn therapy. The Invention The patent details a process for preparing a cream or ointment containing silver sulfadiazine, which is applied to the affected burn area. This formulation includes a combination of ingredients such as petrolatum, stearyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, an emulsifying agent, propylene glycol, and silver sulfadiazine, with the remainder being water[4]. Scope of the Patent Claim Analysis The patent claims are crucial in defining the scope of the invention. Here are some key points: Independent Claims: The patent includes several independent claims that define the composition and method of application. For example, Claim 1 describes a topical cream or ointment containing silver sulfadiazine, along with other specified ingredients[4]. Dependent Claims: Dependent claims further specify the proportions of the ingredients and the method of preparation, narrowing down the scope to ensure the invention's uniqueness and utility. 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 of a patent. For US 3,761,590, the claims are relatively specific, indicating a focused scope. Studies suggest that narrower claims, like those in this patent, are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3]. Claims and Their Significance Claim 1 Claim 1 is the broadest independent claim and sets the foundation for the invention. It describes a topical cream or ointment containing silver sulfadiazine, dispersed in a water-immiscible or water-insoluble base, which includes components like petrolatum and stearyl alcohol[4]. Subsequent Claims Subsequent claims provide additional details on the composition, such as the specific percentages of each ingredient and the method of preparation. These claims ensure that the invention is well-defined and distinguishable from prior art. Patent Landscape Prior Art The patent cites prior art related to burn treatments but distinguishes itself by the specific use of silver sulfadiazine. For instance, the patent references the antibacterial properties of silver sulfadiazine, which were not previously applied in burn therapy in the same manner[4]. International Patent Landscape Similar patents and applications can be found in other jurisdictions. For example, the European Patent Office (EPO) and other international intellectual property offices have databases that include similar inventions related to silver sulfadiazine and burn treatments. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, which consolidates prior art cited by multiple offices, can be useful in understanding the global patent landscape for this invention[1]. Related Patents and Applications Other patents, such as those related to the use of silver sulfadiazine in different medical applications, can provide insight into the broader intellectual property landscape. For instance, a patent application published in 1988 discusses the use of silver sulfadiazine in inhibiting the transmission of AIDS, highlighting the versatile applications of this compound[5]. Impact and Legacy Clinical Impact The invention described in US 3,761,590 has had a significant impact on burn therapy. Silver sulfadiazine has become a standard treatment for burns due to its effective antibacterial properties, reducing infection rates and improving patient outcomes. Economic and Legal Implications The patent has economic implications as it influenced the development of burn care products. The expiration of the patent has allowed for the widespread use and adaptation of silver sulfadiazine in various medical products. Legally, the patent's claims and scope have been a subject of study in discussions about patent quality and the balance between innovation incentives and patent breadth[3]. Search and Analysis Tools For those interested in conducting a thorough search related to this patent, several tools are available: Patent Public Search: This tool provided by the USPTO offers enhanced access to prior art and can be used to search for related patents and applications[1]. Global Dossier: This service allows users to view the file histories of related applications from participating IP offices, which can be useful in understanding the international patent landscape[1]. Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs): These centers offer local search resources and training in patent search techniques, which can be beneficial for detailed analysis[1]. Key Takeaways Specific Claims: The patent includes specific claims that define the composition and method of application of silver sulfadiazine in burn therapy. Narrow Scope: The claims are relatively narrow, which is associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process. International Relevance: The invention has global implications, with similar patents and applications found in other jurisdictions. Clinical Impact: The patent has significantly improved burn therapy by introducing an effective antibacterial agent. Economic and Legal Implications: The patent's expiration has allowed for widespread use and adaptation, while its claims have been a subject of study in patent quality discussions. FAQs Q: What is the main invention described in US 3,761,590? A: The main invention is the use of silver sulfadiazine in a cream or ointment for treating burns. Q: How does the patent define the scope of the invention? A: The patent defines the scope through specific claims that detail the composition and method of application of the silver sulfadiazine formulation. Q: What are the economic implications of this patent? A: The patent has influenced the development of burn care products, and its expiration has allowed for the widespread use and adaptation of silver sulfadiazine. Q: How can one conduct a thorough search related to this patent? A: Tools such as the Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) can be used to conduct a thorough search. Q: What is the clinical impact of this patent? A: The patent has significantly improved burn therapy by reducing infection rates and improving patient outcomes through the use of silver sulfadiazine. Sources USPTO - Search for patents. (2018, October 18). Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search US20130267490A1. (2011, July 21). Retrieved from https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/0d/02/c4/f8a4fb22bdd298/US20130267490A1.pdf Patent Claims and Patent Scope. (2016, September 29). Retrieved from https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964 US3761590A - Silver sulfadiazine used in the treatment of burns. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US3761590A/en Silver sulfadiazine useful for inhibiting the transmission of the aids virus. (1988, October 19). Retrieved from https://data.epo.org/publication-server/rest/v1.0/publication-dates/19881019/patents/EP0287204NWA2/document.pdf More… ↓ ⤷ Subscribe

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Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate
>Applicant	>Tradename	>Generic Name	>Dosage	>NDA	>Approval Date	>TE	>Type	>RLD	>RS	>Patent No.	>Patent Expiration	>Product	>Substance	>Delist Req.	>Patented / Exclusive Use	>Submissiondate

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