United States Patent 5,681,588: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction to Patent 5,681,588
United States Patent 5,681,588, titled "Delayed release microtablet of β-phenylpropiophenone derivatives," was granted on October 28, 1997. This patent is significant in the pharmaceutical field, particularly in the development of delayed-release formulations.
Scope of the Patent
The patent describes a process for producing cylindrical delayed-release microtablets containing β-phenylpropiophenone derivatives. These microtablets are designed to release the active ingredient over a prolonged period, which is crucial for maintaining therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Key Components of the Patent
- Active Ingredient: The patent focuses on β-phenylpropiophenone derivatives, which are used as the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
- Microtablet Composition: The microtablets are composed of a homogeneous mixture, with 81-99.9% by weight of the active ingredient and other excipients[2].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: A process for producing cylindrical delayed-release microtablets.
- Claim 2: The microtablets comprising a specific weight percentage of the active ingredient.
- Claim 3: The method of preparing the microtablets, including the steps of mixing, granulating, and compressing the ingredients[2].
Patent Landscape Analysis
To understand the broader context and impact 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. For this patent, keywords might include "delayed release microtablets," "β-phenylpropiophenone derivatives," and "pharmaceutical formulations"[3].
Searching and Organizing Patents
Using databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE, one can find relevant patents related to these keywords. Patents can be organized by factors like filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories[1][4].
Identifying Trends and Key Players
The analysis reveals trends in patent filings within the pharmaceutical formulation domain. Key players in this field include pharmaceutical companies and research institutions that have filed numerous patents related to delayed-release formulations. For example, Yamanouchi Europe B.V. and other companies have filed patents related to similar formulations[2].
Analyzing Citations and Evolution
By studying how patents reference each other, one can understand the impact and development of the technology. The citations in Patent 5,681,588 indicate its influence on subsequent patents related to microtablet formulations. This analysis helps in understanding the evolution of the technology and the contributions of various inventors and assignees[3].
Generating Insights for Decisions
The insights from the patent landscape analysis can guide strategic decisions for inventors and companies. For instance, understanding the competitive landscape and potential legal vulnerabilities can help in developing new formulations or improving existing ones. This analysis also provides a present picture and predictions about technological trends, which is crucial for R&D and business strategy[3].
International Patent Coverage
Patent 5,681,588 has international counterparts, indicating its global significance:
- European Patent Office: EP0691843B1
- Japan Patent Office: JP3625825B2
- Korean Intellectual Property Rights Information Service: KR100315618B1
- China National Intellectual Property Administration: CN1092957C
- Other countries including Australia, Canada, and Germany[2].
Search Tools and Resources
Several tools and resources are available for conducting a thorough patent search related to this patent:
- USPTO's Patent Public Search: A modern interface for searching prior art.
- Global Dossier: Provides access to file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices.
- PATENTSCOPE: Offers full-text search of international patent applications.
- European Patent Office's esp@cenet: A network of Europe's patent databases with machine translation capabilities[1][4].
Legal Status and Expiration
The legal status of Patent 5,681,588 is "Expired - Lifetime," indicating that the patent is no longer in force. This expiration allows other companies to develop similar formulations without infringing on the original patent[2].
Impact on Pharmaceutical Industry
The expiration of this patent has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry:
- Generic Entry: With the patent expired, generic versions of the delayed-release microtablets can be developed, increasing competition and potentially reducing costs for consumers.
- Innovation: The expiration can also spur innovation as companies may now freely build upon or improve the original invention without legal constraints[5].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers the production of delayed-release microtablets containing β-phenylpropiophenone derivatives.
- Claims: The patent includes specific claims related to the composition and process of producing these microtablets.
- Patent Landscape: The analysis reveals trends, key players, and the evolution of the technology.
- International Coverage: The patent has counterparts in multiple countries.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, allowing for generic entry and further innovation.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 5,681,588?
The main subject is the process for producing cylindrical delayed-release microtablets containing β-phenylpropiophenone derivatives.
How can one conduct a patent landscape analysis for this patent?
By defining the scope and keywords, searching and organizing patents, identifying trends and key players, analyzing citations and evolution, and generating insights for decisions.
What are the key components of the microtablets described in the patent?
The microtablets are composed of a homogeneous mixture with 81-99.9% by weight of the active ingredient and other excipients.
What is the current legal status of Patent 5,681,588?
The patent is "Expired - Lifetime," meaning it is no longer in force.
What are the implications of the patent's expiration for the pharmaceutical industry?
The expiration allows for generic entry and can spur further innovation in the field of delayed-release formulations.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO.
- Google Patents: Delayed release microtablet of β-phenylpropiophenone derivatives.
- Goldstein Patent Law: How to Do Patent Landscape Analysis.
- Clemson University: Research and Course Guides: Patent Searching, Advanced: Overview.
- Drug Patent Watch: Pharmaceutical drugs covered by patent 5,681,588.
