Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,619,935
Introduction
United States Patent 4,619,935, titled "Stable Injectable Solutions of Vinca Alkaloid Dimers," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical field, particularly in the development of stable injectable solutions for vinca alkaloid dimers. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Patent
The patent, issued to inventors who developed stable injectable solutions of vinca alkaloid dimers, addresses a critical need in pharmaceuticals. Vinca alkaloids are potent chemotherapeutic agents, but their stability in solution has been a challenge. The invention described in this patent provides solutions that remain stable for extended periods, even at refrigerated temperatures[2].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected. Here are the key elements:
Composition
The patent describes an aqueous solution comprising vinca alkaloid dimers. The solution is formulated to maintain stability over a long period, typically up to 20-30 months at temperatures between 2-8°C[2].
Stability
The stability of the solution is a crucial aspect of the invention. The patent specifies that the solutions remain stable, which is a significant improvement over previous formulations.
Application
The stable injectable solutions are intended for use in chemotherapy, targeting various types of cancer. The stability ensures that the solutions can be stored and transported without degradation, which is vital for their efficacy.
Claims of the Patent
The claims of the patent are the legal boundaries that define what is protected. Here are some key claims:
Claim 1
This claim typically defines the broadest scope of the invention, such as the composition of the aqueous solution containing vinca alkaloid dimers.
Claim 2-5
These claims may specify the concentration of the vinca alkaloid dimers, the pH range of the solution, and other specific conditions that ensure stability.
Claim 6-10
These claims could include methods of preparing the solution, storage conditions, and any specific additives or preservatives used to maintain stability.
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is crucial for assessing the impact and relevance of the patent.
Prior Art
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be used to consolidate prior art cited by various patent offices for the same invention. This helps in understanding how this patent fits into the broader landscape of similar inventions[1].
International Patent Offices
The patent may have counterparts or related applications in other countries. Searching databases like those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can reveal international filings and their status[1].
Competitors and Market
Companies like IBM, Samsung, Canon, Qualcomm, and Google are among the top patent holders in various fields. In the pharmaceutical sector, companies like Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson are significant players. Analyzing their patent portfolios can help in understanding the competitive landscape[4].
Patent Analytics
To fully understand the value and coverage of this patent, patent analytics can be employed.
Claim Coverage Matrix
A Claim Coverage Matrix can help identify which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property related to vinca alkaloid dimers. This matrix can highlight gaps or opportunities in the patent coverage[3].
Scope Concepts
Categorizing patents by scope concepts rather than individual claims can provide a more comprehensive view of the patent landscape. This approach helps in filtering and analyzing large numbers of patent claims concurrently[3].
Economic and Technological Impact
The economic and technological impact of this patent is significant.
Industry Trends
High-technology manufacturing and commercial knowledge-intensive services industries are major recipients of patents. In the pharmaceutical sector, patents like this one contribute to the development of new treatments and therapies, driving innovation and economic growth[4].
Global Trends
The USPTO data shows that the United States, Japan, and the European Union dominate patent filings. The increasing patent activity in countries like South Korea, China, and India indicates a global shift in innovation hubs[4].
Key Takeaways
- Stability and Composition: The patent ensures the stability of vinca alkaloid dimer solutions, a critical factor in their efficacy.
- Claims and Scope: The claims define the specific aspects of the invention, including composition, stability, and application.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding prior art, international filings, and competitor activity is essential for assessing the patent's impact.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and scope concepts help in analyzing the patent's value and coverage.
- Economic and Technological Impact: The patent contributes to innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, driving economic growth and technological advancement.
FAQs
Q: What is the main innovation of United States Patent 4,619,935?
A: The main innovation is the development of stable injectable solutions of vinca alkaloid dimers that remain stable for extended periods.
Q: How does the patent impact the pharmaceutical industry?
A: The patent contributes to the development of new chemotherapeutic agents by ensuring the stability of vinca alkaloid dimer solutions, which is crucial for their efficacy.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape?
A: Tools such as the Common Citation Document (CCD) application, Patent Analytics software, and databases from international patent offices can be used.
Q: Who are the major players in the pharmaceutical patent landscape?
A: Companies like Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson are significant players in the pharmaceutical sector.
Q: How does the patent fit into global patent trends?
A: The patent is part of a broader trend of increasing patent activity in the pharmaceutical sector, with the US, Japan, and EU being major hubs, and growing activity in countries like South Korea, China, and India.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents[1]
- Google Patents - EP0298192B1[2]
- SLWIP - Patent Analytics[3]
- NSF - Invention, Knowledge Transfer, and Innovation[4]
