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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,402,949
Introduction
United States Patent 4,402,949, titled "Stable solutions of hydrogenated ergotalkaloids," is a patent that has significant implications in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the stabilization of ergot alkaloids. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Patent Number and Title
- The patent number is 4,402,949, and the title is "Stable solutions of hydrogenated ergotalkaloids."
Inventors and Assignees
- The inventors and assignees of this patent are crucial for understanding the ownership and development history. However, specific details about the inventors and assignees are not provided in the publicly available summary, but they can be found in the full patent document[2].
Scope of the Invention
Background and Purpose
- The patent focuses on creating stable solutions of hydrogenated ergotalkaloids, which are compounds derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on certain grains. These compounds have various medical applications, including the treatment of migraines, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders.
- The invention aims to overcome the instability of these compounds in solution, which is a critical issue for their effective use in pharmaceuticals.
Technical Details
- The patent describes specific methods and formulations for stabilizing hydrogenated ergotalkaloids. This includes the use of particular solvents, pH adjustments, and other stabilizing agents to ensure the compounds remain effective over time.
- The stability of these solutions is crucial for maintaining the therapeutic efficacy of the drugs and ensuring patient safety.
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
- The claims section of the patent outlines the specific aspects of the invention that are protected by law. This includes both independent claims, which stand alone, and dependent claims, which build upon the independent claims.
- For example, an independent claim might describe the general method of stabilizing hydrogenated ergotalkaloids using a specific solvent, while a dependent claim might specify the particular concentration of the solvent or additional stabilizing agents used.
Claim Examples
- Claim 1 might read: "A stable solution of a hydrogenated ergotalkaloid, comprising the ergotalkaloid dissolved in a solvent selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, and a mixture thereof."
- Claim 2 might read: "The solution of claim 1, wherein the solvent is a mixture of water and ethanol in a ratio of 1:1."
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
- The patent landscape for ergotalkaloids and their stabilization is complex and involves numerous other patents and applications. These can include patents on different methods of stabilization, alternative solvents, or other formulations.
- For instance, other patents might focus on the synthesis of ergotalkaloids, their use in specific medical conditions, or different delivery mechanisms (e.g., tablets, capsules, or injectables)[5].
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
- To fully understand the patent landscape, it is essential to look beyond U.S. patents. Tools like the Global Dossier and databases from international patent offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provide insights into related patents filed globally[1].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
Claim Coverage Matrix
- Analyzing the claims of Patent 4,402,949 using a Claim Coverage Matrix can help identify which specific claims are actively protecting the intellectual property. This matrix categorizes claims by scope concepts, making it easier to filter and search large numbers of patent claims concurrently[3].
Claim Charts and Scope Concepts
- Interactive claim charts generated by tools like ClaimScape® can be used to review patent coverage with technical experts. These charts help determine if there are gaps in the current coverage and highlight future design opportunities. The scope concepts of the patent claims are categorized as high, medium, or low value to the company, indicating their current and potential future importance[3].
Practical Applications and Impact
Pharmaceutical Industry
- The stabilization of hydrogenated ergotalkaloids has significant practical applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Stable solutions ensure consistent therapeutic efficacy and patient safety, which are critical for regulatory approval and market success.
Research and Development
- This patent can also influence research and development in related fields. For example, researchers might build upon the stabilization methods described to develop new formulations or explore other medical applications of ergotalkaloids.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Patent Validity and Enforcement
- The validity and enforceability of Patent 4,402,949 depend on various legal and regulatory factors. This includes the patent's compliance with patentability requirements, the absence of prior art, and the lack of obviousness.
- Tools like the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS) and the Common Citation Document (CCD) can provide insights into the patent's examination history and any cited prior art[1].
Office Actions and Patent Family
- Understanding the patent family, including related applications and office actions, is crucial for navigating the patent landscape. The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP offices, helping to identify potential issues or opportunities[1].
Conclusion
Understanding the scope and claims of United States Patent 4,402,949 involves a detailed analysis of the technical aspects of the invention, the legal framework surrounding the patent, and the broader patent landscape. This analysis is essential for companies and researchers looking to leverage this technology or develop new innovations in the field of pharmaceuticals.
Key Takeaways
- Stabilization Method: The patent describes specific methods for stabilizing hydrogenated ergotalkaloids, which is crucial for their therapeutic efficacy.
- Claims Analysis: The claims section outlines the protected aspects of the invention, including independent and dependent claims.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger landscape involving related patents and applications globally.
- Practical Applications: The stabilization of ergotalkaloids has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry and research.
- Legal Considerations: The patent's validity and enforceability depend on compliance with patentability requirements and regulatory standards.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 4,402,949?
A: The main focus is on creating stable solutions of hydrogenated ergotalkaloids.
Q: How can the stability of ergotalkaloids be achieved according to the patent?
A: The patent describes methods involving specific solvents, pH adjustments, and other stabilizing agents.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the claims of this patent?
A: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and ClaimScape® can be used to analyze and categorize the claims.
Q: Why is the stabilization of ergotalkaloids important?
A: Stabilization ensures consistent therapeutic efficacy and patient safety, which are critical for regulatory approval and market success.
Q: How can one access related patent information globally?
A: Tools like the Global Dossier and databases from international patent offices such as EPO, JPO, and WIPO provide access to related patents filed globally.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Justia Patents - US Patent for Stable solutions of hydrogenated ergotalkaloids: https://patents.justia.com/patent/4402949
- SLWIP - Patent Analytics: https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- U.S. Department of Commerce - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/uspto
- PubChem - Stabilized carvedilol injection solution: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-2002169199-A1
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