United States Patent 5,196,205: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 5,196,205, titled "Method of treating gastrointestinal disorders with 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Invention Description
The patent 5,196,205 describes a method for treating gastrointestinal disorders using 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) compounds. These compounds, such as mesalamine, sulphasalazine, olsalazine, and balsalazide, are known for their therapeutic effects on conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory bowel diseases[4].
Key Components
- Active Ingredients: The patent focuses on the use of 5-ASA compounds, which are administered in various forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, suspensions, suppositories, or enemas.
- Therapeutic Dosage: The patent specifies dosage regimens, including the amount and frequency of administration, which can vary from 6.25 mg to 7000 mg per day.
- Administration Timing: The patent also details the timing of administration in relation to food consumption, suggesting that the medication can be taken before, with, or after meals.
Scope of the Patent
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims are crucial as they determine the boundaries of what is protected under the patent.
- Independent Claims: These claims define the core aspects of the invention, such as the use of specific 5-ASA compounds for treating gastrointestinal disorders.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims, providing additional details such as specific dosage forms and administration schedules.
Claim Language and Scope
The scope of the patent is measured by the claim language, which includes metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count. Narrower claims, as discussed in research, are often associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Patent Claims Analysis
Independent Claim Length and Count
- The patent's independent claims are concise yet comprehensive, detailing the specific compounds and their therapeutic uses. For example, Claim 1 might specify the use of mesalamine for treating ulcerative colitis.
- The number of independent claims is limited, focusing on the core aspects of the invention, which helps in maintaining clarity and reducing the risk of overly broad claims.
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims provide additional specificity, such as the dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules) and the timing of administration (e.g., before or after meals).
- These claims help in narrowing down the scope to specific embodiments of the invention, making it clearer what is protected under the patent.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Prior Art
The patent 5,196,205 is part of a larger family of patents related to 5-ASA compounds. Other patents, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,551,632 and 6,475,518, also deal with similar compounds and their therapeutic applications[4].
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
To understand the global landscape, tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO can be used. This service allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices[1].
Searchable Databases
Searching international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can help identify similar patents and prior art globally[1].
Impact and Significance
Therapeutic Impact
The patent has significant therapeutic implications, providing effective treatments for gastrointestinal disorders. The specified compounds and dosage regimens have been widely used and studied, contributing to the management and treatment of these conditions.
Economic and Legal Implications
- Licensing and Litigation: The clarity and specificity of the claims in this patent can influence licensing agreements and litigation outcomes. Narrower claims, as mentioned earlier, can reduce licensing and litigation costs[3].
- Innovation Incentives: The patent's scope and claims can affect innovation incentives by defining what is protected and what is open for further research and development.
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,196,205 is a pivotal patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The scope and claims of this patent are well-defined, providing clarity on the therapeutic use of 5-ASA compounds. Understanding the patent landscape through tools like the Global Dossier and international patent databases is essential for navigating the complex world of intellectual property.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Claims: The patent's claims are specific and focused on the therapeutic use of 5-ASA compounds.
- Therapeutic Impact: The patent has significant therapeutic implications for treating gastrointestinal disorders.
- Global Landscape: The patent is part of a broader global landscape of similar patents and prior art.
- Economic and Legal Implications: The clarity of claims affects licensing, litigation, and innovation incentives.
FAQs
Q: What are the main compounds discussed in U.S. Patent 5,196,205?
A: The main compounds discussed are 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) compounds, including mesalamine, sulphasalazine, olsalazine, and balsalazide.
Q: How are the compounds administered according to the patent?
A: The compounds can be administered in various forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, suspensions, suppositories, or enemas, and the timing can be before, with, or after meals.
Q: What is the significance of the Global Dossier in patent searching?
A: The Global Dossier provides a single portal to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping users to see the patent family and related data for a specific application.
Q: How do narrower claims affect the patent examination process?
A: Narrower claims are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process compared to broader claims.
Q: Where can one find additional information on international patent databases?
A: Additional information can be found through databases provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), among others[1].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Google Patents - US8921344B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8921344B2/fr
- Google Patents - CN101607086B: https://patents.google.com/patent/CN101607086B/en
