Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,475,034
Introduction
United States Patent 5,475,034, titled "Topically administrable compositions containing 3-benzoylphenylacetic acid derivatives for treatment of ophthalmic inflammatory disorders," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of ophthalmic inflammatory conditions. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Prior Art
The patent builds upon a body of prior art related to anti-inflammatory compounds. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,949 teaches 2-amino-3-benzoyl-phenylacetamides with anti-inflammatory activity, while U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,254,146, 4,045,576, and 4,503,073 describe various 3-benzoylphenylacetic acids, salts, and esters with similar properties[4].
Scope of the Invention
The invention described in U.S. Patent 5,475,034 focuses on topically administrable compositions containing 3-benzoylphenylacetic acid derivatives. These compositions are designed for the treatment of ophthalmic inflammatory disorders, such as conjunctivitis, uveitis, and keratitis. The patent emphasizes the non-irritating nature of these compositions, which is crucial for ophthalmic applications[4].
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: This claim describes the composition itself, specifying that it contains 3-benzoylphenylacetic acid derivatives.
- Claim 2: This claim details the method of preparation for these derivatives.
- Claim 3: This claim outlines the specific anti-inflammatory activity of the compounds.
- Claim 4 and subsequent claims: These claims cover various aspects of the composition, including the concentration of the active ingredients, the type of solvents used, and the method of administration[4].
Key Components and Their Significance
- 3-Benzoylphenylacetic Acid Derivatives: These are the active ingredients in the composition, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Non-Irritating Nature: This is a critical aspect, as it ensures the compositions are safe for ophthalmic use.
- Method of Preparation: The patent describes specific methods for preparing these derivatives, which is essential for reproducibility and consistency in the final product[4].
Patent Landscape Analysis
To understand the broader context of this patent, a patent landscape analysis is essential.
Defining Scope and Keywords
The analysis begins by defining the technology field and identifying relevant keywords, such as "ophthalmic inflammatory disorders," "3-benzoylphenylacetic acid derivatives," and "anti-inflammatory compositions"[3].
Search and Organize Patents
Using databases like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Google Patents, and international databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, one can retrieve relevant patents. These patents are then organized based on factors like filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories[1][3].
Identify Trends and Key Players
The analysis reveals trends in patent filings within the ophthalmic pharmaceutical sector. Key players, such as pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, are identified based on their patent activity and contributions to the field[3].
Analyze Citations and Evolution
By studying how patents reference each other, one can understand the impact and development of the technology. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,034 cites several prior patents, indicating a build-up of knowledge in the area of anti-inflammatory compounds for ophthalmic use[3][4].
Generate Insights for Decisions
The analysis provides insights into ongoing innovations, technological trends, and the competitive landscape. This information is crucial for making strategic decisions regarding research and development, licensing, and potential legal vulnerabilities[3].
Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical sector is highly active, with several companies and research institutions filing patents related to anti-inflammatory compositions. The patent landscape analysis helps in identifying areas of high patent activity, innovation hotspots, and potential white spaces where new inventions could be developed[3].
International Perspective
The patent landscape extends beyond the United States, with international offices like the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) providing valuable resources for global patent searches. This is particularly important for understanding the global competitive landscape and ensuring that any new inventions do not infringe on existing patents in other jurisdictions[1].
Data Visualization and Analysis
Visualizations such as heat maps and citation networks are used to reveal trends, geographical distribution, and interconnections among patents. This helps in identifying key players, emerging technologies, and areas of high patent activity. For instance, a heat map could show the concentration of patent filings in the ophthalmic sector over time and across different regions[3].
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the Scope: U.S. Patent 5,475,034 is focused on topically administrable compositions for ophthalmic inflammatory disorders.
- Prior Art: The patent builds upon a rich body of prior art related to anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Claims: The claims define the composition, method of preparation, and specific anti-inflammatory activity.
- Patent Landscape: The analysis reveals trends, key players, and the competitive landscape in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical sector.
- Global Perspective: International patent databases are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the global patent landscape.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of U.S. Patent 5,475,034?
A: The main focus is on topically administrable compositions containing 3-benzoylphenylacetic acid derivatives for treating ophthalmic inflammatory disorders.
Q: How does this patent build upon prior art?
A: It builds upon prior patents related to anti-inflammatory compounds, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,949 and others.
Q: What are the key components of the composition described in the patent?
A: The key components are 3-benzoylphenylacetic acid derivatives, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: Why is a patent landscape analysis important for this patent?
A: It helps in understanding the competitive landscape, identifying trends, and making informed strategic decisions.
Q: How can one access international patent databases for a broader analysis?
A: Databases like the EPO's esp@cenet, JPO, and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE provide free online access to international patent collections[1].
Cited Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents.
- Google Patents - US8071648B2.
- Goldstein Patent Law - How to Do Patent Landscape Analysis.
- Google Patents - US5475034A.
