Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,534,554: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
United States Patent 5,534,554, titled "Sucrose ester-C20 to C28 alcohol formulations," is a significant patent in the field of therapeutic formulations, particularly for treating viral and inflammatory diseases. This article delves into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US5534554A
- Publication Date: October 9, 1996
- Inventors: Not specified in the provided sources
- Assignee: Not specified in the provided sources[4].
Invention Description
The patent describes a stable and efficacious therapeutic cream formulation that utilizes sucrose esters and long chain aliphatic alcohols (C20 to C28) as principal therapeutic compounds. These formulations are designed to treat viral and inflammatory diseases, as well as reduce pain associated with skin and mucous membrane irritations.
Scope of the Invention
Therapeutic Applications
The invention is specifically aimed at creating topical therapeutic preparations. The formulations are intended for the treatment of various conditions, including:
- Viral Diseases: The patent mentions the use of these formulations in treating virus-induced diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Inflammatory Diseases: It also covers the treatment of inflammatory diseases affecting the skin and mucous membranes.
- Pain Reduction: The formulations are designed to reduce the pain associated with topical irritations of the skin and mucous membranes[4].
Key Components
- Sucrose Esters: These are used to stabilize the creams and enhance their therapeutic efficacy.
- Long Chain Aliphatic Alcohols: Specifically, alcohols with 20 to 28 carbon atoms, such as n-docosanol, n-icosanol, n-henicosanol, and others, are highlighted for their therapeutic properties[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically cover:
- Composition Claims: The specific formulation of the therapeutic cream, including the types and amounts of sucrose esters and long chain aliphatic alcohols.
- Method Claims: The methods of preparing these formulations and their application in treating various diseases.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further narrow down the scope by specifying particular aspects of the independent claims, such as:
- Specific Alcohols: Claims that focus on specific long chain aliphatic alcohols like n-docosanol.
- Concentration Ranges: Claims that specify the concentration ranges of the components in the formulation[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape around US5534554A includes other patents and publications related to therapeutic formulations and the use of long chain aliphatic alcohols. For example:
- Canadian Patent 2306772: This patent discusses the use of C18 to C26 aliphatic alcohols for medicament manufacture, which overlaps with the scope of US5534554A[5].
International Patent Offices
To understand the global patent landscape, it is essential to search databases from other international intellectual property offices, such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can provide insights into prior art cited by multiple patent offices for the same invention, helping to visualize the global patent landscape for similar inventions[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
- Patent Public Search: This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and can be used to search for similar patents and published patent applications.
- Global Dossier: This service allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications from participating IP offices.
- Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs): These centers offer local search resources and training in patent search techniques[1].
Data and Statistics
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide detailed information on claims from US patents and applications, helping to analyze trends and scope measurements in patent claims. This dataset includes claim-level statistics and document-level statistics, which can be useful in understanding the broader patent landscape[3].
Legal Status and Expiration
Current Status
The legal status of US5534554A indicates that the patent has expired. This means that the invention is no longer protected by patent law, and the formulations described can be freely used and manufactured by anyone[4].
Practical Implications
Commercial Use
With the patent having expired, companies can now develop and market similar therapeutic cream formulations without infringing on the original patent. This opens up opportunities for innovation and competition in the market.
Research and Development
Researchers can build upon the knowledge and formulations described in the patent to develop new and improved therapeutic products. The expired status of the patent facilitates further research and development in this area.
Key Takeaways
- Therapeutic Formulations: The patent focuses on sucrose ester-C20 to C28 alcohol formulations for treating viral and inflammatory diseases.
- Key Components: Sucrose esters and long chain aliphatic alcohols are crucial components.
- Expired Status: The patent has expired, allowing for free use and further innovation.
- Global Landscape: Similar patents and prior art can be found through international patent databases and tools like the CCD.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of US5534554A?
The main purpose of US5534554A is to describe therapeutic cream formulations using sucrose esters and long chain aliphatic alcohols for treating viral and inflammatory diseases.
What are the key components of the formulations described in the patent?
The key components are sucrose esters and long chain aliphatic alcohols with 20 to 28 carbon atoms.
Is the patent still in force?
No, the patent has expired, meaning the invention is no longer protected by patent law.
How can one search for similar patents?
One can use tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases such as those from the EPO, JPO, and WIPO.
What are the implications of the patent's expiration?
The expiration of the patent allows for free use and further innovation in developing similar therapeutic formulations without infringing on the original patent.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US6703052B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6703052B2/en
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US5534554A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5534554A/en
- Canadian Patents Database - Patent 2306772: https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2306772/summary.html
