Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,258,027: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
United States Patent 4,258,027, titled "Multi-fractionable tablet structure," is an invention that has significant implications in the pharmaceutical industry. This patent, issued to Mead Johnson & Company, introduces a novel tablet design that can be readily severed into sub-dosages, enhancing the flexibility and convenience of medication administration. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Patent
The patent for the "Multi-fractionable tablet structure" was granted on March 24, 1981. This invention addresses the need for a tablet that can be easily divided into precise sub-dosages, which is particularly useful in clinical settings where patients may require varying doses of medication[2].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent defines the boundaries of what is protected by the patent. For U.S. Patent 4,258,027, the scope is centered around the design and functionality of a multi-fractionable tablet.
Key Features
- Unitary Dosage Form: The tablet is initially configured as a single unitary dosage form.
- Readily Severable: The tablet is designed to be easily severed into sub-dosages.
- Precise Sub-Dosages: The severable design allows for precise division, ensuring each sub-dosage contains the intended amount of medication[2].
Claims of the Patent
Patent claims are the legal definitions of the invention and define the scope of protection. For U.S. Patent 4,258,027, the claims are crucial in understanding what aspects of the invention are protected.
Independent Claims
Independent claims are standalone claims that define the invention without reference to other claims. For this patent, the independent claims focus on the structural and functional aspects of the multi-fractionable tablet.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims, providing additional details or limitations. These claims further refine the scope of protection by specifying additional features or embodiments of the invention.
Patent Claims Analysis
The analysis of patent claims is essential for understanding the patent's scope and potential infringement.
Claim Length and Count
Research has shown that the length and count of independent claims can be metrics for measuring patent scope. Narrower claims, as measured by claim length and count, are often associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Examination Process
The examination process for U.S. Patent 4,258,027 would have involved a thorough review of the claims to ensure they are clear, concise, and novel. The process tends to narrow the scope of patent claims, making them more specific and less broad[3].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the broader patent landscape is crucial for assessing the significance and potential impact of U.S. Patent 4,258,027.
Related Patents
Other patents in the pharmaceutical field, particularly those related to tablet designs and drug delivery systems, are relevant. For instance, patents involving combinations of different drugs or innovative delivery mechanisms can provide context on how the multi-fractionable tablet fits into the larger landscape[4].
International Patent Offices
The global patent system is interconnected, and patents filed in other countries can provide insights into similar inventions. Databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can be used to search for related international patents[1].
Search Tools and Resources
Several tools and resources are available for conducting thorough patent searches, which are essential for understanding the patent landscape.
USPTO Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers various resources, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs). These tools enable users to search existing patents, access file histories, and view citation data[1].
International Databases
Databases like esp@cenet from the EPO, PATENTSCOPE from WIPO, and others provide access to international patent collections. These resources are vital for identifying similar patents filed in other jurisdictions[1].
Case Law and Litigation
The validity and enforcement of U.S. Patent 4,258,027 can be influenced by case law and litigation.
Mead Johnson & Company v. Barr Laboratories, Inc.
In this case, the court addressed the issue of whether Barr's tablet design infringed on the claims of U.S. Patent 4,258,027. Such cases highlight the importance of clear and specific claims in defending patent rights[5].
Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry
The multi-fractionable tablet structure has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry.
Clinical Use
The ability to easily divide tablets into precise sub-dosages enhances patient compliance and safety. This is particularly important in pediatric and geriatric care where dosages need to be carefully managed.
Manufacturing and Development
The invention encourages innovation in tablet design and manufacturing processes. Pharmaceutical companies can develop more versatile and patient-friendly medications, which can lead to better health outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Design: U.S. Patent 4,258,027 introduces a novel tablet design that is readily severable into precise sub-dosages.
- Scope and Claims: The patent's scope is defined by its structural and functional features, with claims that specify the unitary dosage form and severable design.
- Patent Landscape: The patent fits into a broader landscape of pharmaceutical inventions, with relevance to international patents and case law.
- Impact: The invention has significant implications for patient compliance, safety, and the development of more versatile medications.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of U.S. Patent 4,258,027?
The main innovation is the design of a multi-fractionable tablet that can be easily divided into precise sub-dosages.
How does the patent's scope affect its protection?
The scope, defined by the claims, protects the structural and functional aspects of the multi-fractionable tablet, ensuring that similar inventions do not infringe on this patent.
What resources are available for searching related patents?
Resources include the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, PTRCs, and international databases like esp@cenet and PATENTSCOPE.
How does case law impact the validity of U.S. Patent 4,258,027?
Case law, such as Mead Johnson & Company v. Barr Laboratories, Inc., helps in interpreting the claims and determining infringement, which can affect the patent's validity and enforcement.
What is the significance of the multi-fractionable tablet in clinical settings?
The tablet's design enhances patient compliance and safety by allowing for precise division into sub-dosages, which is particularly beneficial in pediatric and geriatric care.
Sources
- USPTO: "Search for patents - USPTO" - https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Justia Patents: "US Patent for Multi-fractionable tablet structure Patent (Patent 4,258,027)" - https://patents.justia.com/patent/4258027
- SSRN: "Patent Claims and Patent Scope" - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Canadian Patents Database: "Patent 2397244 Summary" - https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2397244/summary.html
- Vlex: "Mead Johnson & Company v. Barr Laboratories, Inc." - https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/mead-johnson-company-v-889439580
