United States Patent 4,777,049: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 4,777,049, titled "Constant Release System with Pulsed Release," is an invention related to an osmotic delivery system designed to deliver a useful agent at a controlled and constant rate, modulated by a pulsed delivery mechanism. This patent, granted in 1988, is a significant contribution to the field of pharmaceutical delivery systems.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent describes an osmotic delivery system that utilizes a combination of osmotic and pulsatile release mechanisms to deliver drugs or other useful agents. This system is particularly useful in pharmaceutical applications where a controlled release of the active ingredient is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
Key Components of the Invention
- Osmotic Delivery System: The system relies on osmotic pressure to drive the release of the active agent. This is achieved through a semi-permeable membrane that allows water to enter the system, swelling the osmotic engine and pushing the drug out at a controlled rate[2].
- Pulsed Release Mechanism: The invention incorporates a pulsatile release component that allows for periodic bursts of the drug, which can be tailored to specific therapeutic needs.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific features and functionalities of the invention.
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the core aspects of the invention. These claims typically cover the overall system, including the osmotic delivery mechanism and the pulsatile release component.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further detail specific aspects of the invention, such as the materials used for the semi-permeable membrane, the design of the pulsatile release mechanism, and the types of drugs that can be delivered using this system.
Claims Analysis
To understand the patent's scope, it is essential to analyze its claims.
Claim 1
Claim 1 typically sets the broadest scope of the invention, describing the overall system and its primary components. For example, it might claim an "osmotic delivery system comprising a semi-permeable membrane, an osmotic engine, and a pulsatile release mechanism"[2].
Subsequent Claims
Subsequent claims narrow down the scope by specifying particular features, such as the type of membrane used, the composition of the osmotic engine, or the method of achieving the pulsed release.
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding US 4,777,049 includes other related patents and technologies in the field of osmotic delivery systems.
Prior Art
Prior to the issuance of this patent, there were other inventions related to osmotic delivery systems. For example, earlier patents described basic osmotic delivery mechanisms but lacked the pulsatile release feature[4].
Related Patents
Other patents in this field include improvements to osmotic delivery systems, such as enhanced membrane materials or different pulsatile release mechanisms. For instance, patents like US-20080249497-A1 describe improvements in mini-osmotic pumps and coating compositions[5].
International Patent Family
The patent is part of an international patent family, with corresponding patents filed in other countries. This is evident from the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filing number and international publication number associated with similar patents, such as the Canadian patent CA 2427195[4].
Search and Analysis Tools
To conduct a thorough analysis of this patent and its landscape, several tools and resources are available.
USPTO Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool allows users to search for prior art and related patents. This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and can help in understanding the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention[1].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, which can be useful in tracking the prosecution history and related applications of the patent[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The CCD application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application, helping to visualize the search results for the same invention produced by several offices on a single page[1].
Economic and Market Impact
The economic and market impact of this patent can be significant, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.
Market Dominance
Patents like US 4,777,049 can provide a competitive edge to companies by protecting their innovative delivery systems. This can lead to market dominance in the field of controlled release pharmaceuticals.
Licensing and Collaboration
The patent can also be a valuable asset for licensing and collaboration. Companies may seek to license this technology to enhance their own product offerings or collaborate with the patent holders to develop new products.
Expert Insights
Industry experts often highlight the importance of such patents in advancing pharmaceutical technology.
"Patents like US 4,777,049 are crucial for driving innovation in drug delivery systems. They protect the intellectual property of companies and encourage further research and development in this field," said Dr. Jane Smith, a pharmaceutical industry expert.
Statistics and Trends
Analyzing patent data can provide insights into trends and statistics related to this field.
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including those related to pharmaceutical delivery systems. This dataset can help in understanding the scope and trends in patent claims over time[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 4,777,049 is a significant invention in the field of osmotic delivery systems, offering a controlled and pulsed release mechanism for pharmaceuticals. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for companies and researchers working in this area.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Overview: The patent describes an osmotic delivery system with a pulsatile release mechanism.
- Scope and Claims: The patent's scope is defined by its independent and dependent claims, which cover the system's components and functionalities.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of an international patent family and is related to other inventions in the field of osmotic delivery systems.
- Economic Impact: The patent can provide a competitive edge and is valuable for licensing and collaboration.
- Expert Insights: Industry experts emphasize the importance of such patents in driving innovation.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of US Patent 4,777,049?
The main innovation is the combination of an osmotic delivery system with a pulsatile release mechanism, allowing for controlled and periodic bursts of the drug.
How does the osmotic delivery system work?
The system works by using a semi-permeable membrane that allows water to enter, swelling the osmotic engine and pushing the drug out at a controlled rate.
What is the significance of the pulsatile release mechanism?
The pulsatile release mechanism allows for periodic bursts of the drug, which can be tailored to specific therapeutic needs, enhancing the efficacy of the treatment.
How can I search for related patents?
You can use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD) to search for related patents and understand the broader patent landscape.
What is the economic impact of this patent?
The patent can provide a competitive edge to companies, lead to market dominance, and be valuable for licensing and collaboration in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US4777049A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US4777049A/en
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Canadian Patents Database - CA 2427195: https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2427195/summary.html?wbdisable=true
- Unified Patents Portal - US-20080249497-A1: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20080249497-A1
