Details for Patent: 5,212,196

Summary for Patent: 5,212,196

Title:	Control of post-surgical intraocular pressure using clonidine derivatives
Abstract:	A method of controlling intraocular pressure by nonchronic, topical administration of a clonidine derivative immediately prior and post trauma to the affected eye.
Inventor(s):	House; Betty R. (Euless, TX), DeFaller; Joseph M. (Bedford, TX), York; Billie M. (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee:	Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Application Number:	07/918,874
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Use;

United States Patent 5,212,196: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

Introduction

United States Patent 5,212,196, titled "Method of controlling intraocular pressure by non-chronic, topical administration of a clonidine derivative," was granted in 1993. This patent pertains to a method for managing intraocular pressure, a critical aspect of ophthalmic care. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.

Background and Context

The patent addresses a method for controlling intraocular pressure, which is a key factor in the management of glaucoma and other eye conditions. Intraocular pressure can be a significant risk factor for vision loss, making effective management crucial.

Scope of the Patent

The patent describes a method involving the non-chronic, topical administration of a clonidine derivative to control intraocular pressure. Here are the key aspects of the scope:

Method Description

The method involves applying a clonidine derivative topically to the eye immediately before and after a traumatic event or surgery to reduce intraocular pressure. This approach is designed to be non-chronic, meaning it is not intended for long-term use but rather for acute management of intraocular pressure[5].

Clonidine Derivative

Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist known for its ability to reduce intraocular pressure. The patent specifies the use of a clonidine derivative, which suggests a modified version of clonidine with potentially enhanced or tailored properties for this specific application.

Claims Analysis

The claims of a patent are its most critical components, as they define the scope of protection granted by the patent.

Independent Claims

The independent claims typically outline the broadest scope of the invention. For Patent 5,212,196, these claims would likely include the method of topical administration of a clonidine derivative and the specific conditions under which it is applied (e.g., before and after trauma or surgery).

Dependent Claims

Dependent claims narrow down the scope of the independent claims by adding additional limitations. These might include specific concentrations of the clonidine derivative, the duration of application, or the type of traumatic event or surgery for which the method is applicable.

Patent Landscape

Understanding the patent landscape is crucial for assessing the competitive environment and potential opportunities or challenges.

Prior Art and Related Patents

The patent landscape for ophthalmic treatments, particularly those involving alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like clonidine, is extensive. Prior art and related patents would include other methods and compositions for reducing intraocular pressure. For instance, other patents may cover different administration routes, dosages, or combinations of drugs for similar purposes[4].

Competing Technologies

Competing technologies might include other topical or systemic treatments for intraocular pressure management. These could involve different classes of drugs, such as prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The landscape would also include any generic or biosimilar versions of these treatments that might impact the market[4].

Claim Coverage and Scope Concepts

To fully understand the protection offered by Patent 5,212,196, it is essential to analyze the claim coverage using tools like a Claim Coverage Matrix. This involves categorizing the claims by scope concepts that link similar claims across different patents. This approach helps in identifying gaps or opportunities in the patent coverage and can be particularly useful for companies with a large portfolio of patents[3].

Claim Charts and Technical Review

Using interactive claim charts generated by software like ClaimScape®, technical experts can review the patent coverage to determine its applicability to specific products or methods. This helps in identifying whether the current claim coverage is adequate and highlights potential future design opportunities or gaps in coverage[3].

International Patent Landscape

Given the global nature of pharmaceutical and medical device markets, it is important to consider the international patent landscape. This involves searching databases from other intellectual property offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[4].

Global Dossier and Common Citation Document

Tools like the Global Dossier and the Common Citation Document (CCD) provide access to file histories and citation data from multiple IP offices, helping to streamline the process of assessing the global patent landscape and identifying potential prior art or conflicting patents[4].

Patent Eligibility and Legal Considerations

The patent eligibility of methods like the one described in Patent 5,212,196 is subject to legal scrutiny. Cases such as Mayo v. Prometheus Labs highlight the importance of ensuring that patented processes do not simply apply natural laws or abstract ideas without an inventive concept. The claims must integrate the natural law into a specific application that transforms the process into something more than just the natural law itself[1].

Key Takeaways

• Method Specificity: The patent describes a specific method for controlling intraocular pressure using a clonidine derivative.
• Claim Analysis: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is crucial for determining the scope of protection.
• Patent Landscape: The landscape includes prior art, competing technologies, and international patent considerations.
• Legal Considerations: Ensuring patent eligibility by integrating natural laws into specific, inventive applications is critical.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of United States Patent 5,212,196?

The main purpose is to describe a method for controlling intraocular pressure using a non-chronic, topical administration of a clonidine derivative.

How does the method described in the patent differ from other treatments for intraocular pressure?

The method is distinct in its use of a clonidine derivative administered topically and specifically before and after traumatic events or surgery.

What tools can be used to analyze the claim coverage of this patent?

Tools such as Claim Coverage Matrix and ClaimScape® software can be used to analyze and visualize the claim coverage.

Why is it important to consider the international patent landscape for this invention?

Considering the international patent landscape helps in identifying potential prior art, conflicting patents, and market opportunities globally.

How does the Mayo v. Prometheus Labs case impact the patent eligibility of methods like the one described in Patent 5,212,196?

The Mayo v. Prometheus Labs case emphasizes the need for patented processes to include an inventive concept beyond just applying natural laws or abstract ideas, ensuring that the process is more than just a general instruction to apply a natural law.

Cited Sources

1. Mayo v. Promethues Labs, Full Text with Analysis - BitLaw
2. Patent and Trademark Office Notices - USPTO
3. Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law - SLWIP
4. Search for patents - USPTO
5. United States Patent (19) - googleapis.com

Drugs Protected by US Patent 5,212,196

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate