Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,943,565: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
United States Patent 4,943,565, titled "Analgesic Tablet or Aspirin and Caffeine Containing Low-Substituted Hydroxypropyl Cellulose," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry. This patent, granted to Tencza et al., introduces a novel formulation for analgesic tablets that combines aspirin and caffeine with a specific type of hydroxypropyl cellulose. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Patent
The patent was granted on July 31, 1990, and it addresses a specific need in the formulation of analgesic tablets. The invention focuses on improving the stability and efficacy of aspirin and caffeine combinations by using low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC) as a binder and stabilizer[2].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific elements and limitations of the invention. Here are the key aspects:
Composition
- The patent describes an analgesic tablet that includes aspirin and caffeine.
- The tablet also contains low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC) as a binder and stabilizer[2].
Functionality
- The L-HPC helps in maintaining the stability of the tablet by preventing the degradation of aspirin and caffeine.
- It also enhances the tablet's disintegration and dissolution properties, ensuring better bioavailability of the active ingredients[2].
Claims of the Patent
The claims section is crucial as it defines the legal boundaries of the invention. Here are some key claims:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 typically outlines the broadest definition of the invention, which in this case includes the combination of aspirin, caffeine, and L-HPC in a specific ratio.
- Subsequent claims may narrow down the scope by specifying particular ratios, methods of preparation, or additional components[2].
Dependent Claims
- These claims build upon the independent claims and provide further details or limitations. For example, a dependent claim might specify a particular method of manufacturing the tablet or additional ingredients that can be included[2].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape around US 4,943,565 involves looking at related patents, prior art, and subsequent developments.
Prior Art
- The patent cites several prior art references, including other patents related to pharmaceutical formulations and the use of hydroxypropyl cellulose in tablets. This indicates that the inventors built upon existing knowledge to create a novel and non-obvious invention[2].
Related Patents
- There are numerous patents related to nanoparticulate compositions and pharmaceutical formulations that use similar stabilizers and binders. For example, patents like US 5,298,262 and US 5,302,401 discuss methods to reduce particle size growth and prevent aggregation during sterilization, which are relevant to the broader context of pharmaceutical formulation[2].
International Patent Family
- To understand the global reach of this patent, one would need to look at the patent family, which includes related applications filed in other jurisdictions. Tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO can help in identifying these related applications and their status[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
Several tools and resources are available for searching and analyzing patents, which can be useful in understanding the scope and claims of US 4,943,565.
USPTO Public Search Facility
- The USPTO Public Search Facility in Alexandria, VA, and the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) provide access to patent and trademark information, including training in patent search techniques[1].
Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)
- The CPC database can be used to find relevant classification schemes, helping in identifying similar patents and understanding the broader patent landscape[4].
PATENTSCOPE Database
- This database, provided by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), offers access to international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications and patent documents from participating national and regional patent offices[4].
Economic and Research Implications
The Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO can offer insights into the economic and research implications of patents like US 4,943,565.
Patent Scope Measurements
- The dataset includes detailed information on claims from US patents and applications, which can be used to measure patent scope and understand the impact of patents on innovation and economic activity[3].
Industry Trends
- Analyzing the trends in patent claims and scope can provide insights into industry developments and the strategic direction of companies in the pharmaceutical sector[3].
Practical Applications and Impact
The practical applications of US 4,943,565 are significant in the pharmaceutical industry.
Improved Stability and Efficacy
- The use of L-HPC in analgesic tablets has improved the stability and efficacy of these formulations, leading to better patient outcomes.
- This innovation has also influenced the development of subsequent pharmaceutical formulations that utilize similar stabilizers and binders[2].
Regulatory Compliance
- Understanding the scope and claims of this patent is crucial for regulatory compliance. Companies must ensure that their products do not infringe on the claims of this patent to avoid legal issues[2].
Key Takeaways
- Innovation in Formulation: US 4,943,565 introduced a novel formulation using L-HPC, enhancing the stability and efficacy of analgesic tablets.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of pharmaceutical formulations, with numerous related patents and prior art references.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Utilizing tools like the USPTO Public Search Facility, CPC, and PATENTSCOPE can help in understanding the patent's scope and claims.
- Economic and Research Implications: The patent's impact can be analyzed using datasets like the Patent Claims Research Dataset.
- Practical Applications: The patent has significant practical applications in improving pharmaceutical formulations.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of US 4,943,565?
The main innovation is the use of low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC) as a binder and stabilizer in analgesic tablets containing aspirin and caffeine.
How does L-HPC improve the tablet formulation?
L-HPC improves the stability of the tablet by preventing the degradation of aspirin and caffeine, and it enhances the tablet's disintegration and dissolution properties.
What tools can be used to search and analyze patents related to US 4,943,565?
Tools such as the USPTO Public Search Facility, Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) database, and the PATENTSCOPE database can be used.
What is the significance of the Patent Claims Research Dataset in analyzing this patent?
The dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents and applications, which can be used to measure patent scope and understand the economic and research implications of the patent.
How does understanding the scope and claims of US 4,943,565 help in regulatory compliance?
Understanding the scope and claims helps companies ensure that their products do not infringe on the patent, thus avoiding legal issues and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO. (2018, October 18).
- Google Patents: AU2006309295B2 - Nanoparticulate ... - Google Patents.
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO. (2017, August 28).
- Clemson University: Research and Course Guides: Patent Searching, Advanced: Overview. (2024, May 23).
