United States Patent 5,881,926: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,881,926, titled "Pharmaceutical Compositions in Semisolid Formulations," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the realm of drug delivery systems. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent, issued on March 30, 1999, describes a pharmaceutical delivery system designed for spill-resistant formulations. The invention involves the use of specific components to create a semisolid formulation that enhances the stability and ease of use of pharmaceutical agents such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen[2].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific elements and their relationships that constitute the invention. Here are the key aspects:
Pharmaceutical Agents
The patent specifies the use of pharmaceutical agents selected from a group consisting of acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other similar compounds. This indicates that the invention is tailored for common over-the-counter and prescription medications[2].
Formulation Components
The semisolid formulation includes a combination of a pharmaceutical agent, a liquid base, a clay, and a water-soluble cellulose ether. The clay and cellulose ether are crucial as they allow for a broader pH range, making it easier to disperse or dissolve the pharmaceutical agent[2].
Benefits of the Formulation
The formulation is designed to be spill-resistant, which enhances patient safety and convenience. The use of clay and cellulose ether also facilitates easier preparation and formulation of the pharmaceutical composition[2].
Claims of the Patent
The claims of the patent are the legal boundaries that define the invention and distinguish it from prior art. Here are some key claims:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the pharmaceutical composition in a semisolid form, comprising a pharmaceutical agent, a liquid base, a clay, and a water-soluble cellulose ether.
- Claim 13 specifies the system where the pharmaceutical agent is selected from a group consisting of acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.[2].
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims further detail the specific ratios and types of components that can be used in the formulation, such as the amount of clay and cellulose ether relative to the pharmaceutical agent[2].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape involves examining related patents, international filings, and the broader intellectual property context.
Related Patents
- U.S. Patent Nos. 6,071,523 and 6,355,258 also describe pharmaceutical delivery systems, though they may differ in specific components or applications[4].
- Canadian Patent 2540869, titled "Spill Resistant Formulations Containing Clays," shares similarities with U.S. Patent 5,881,926 in terms of using clays and cellulose ethers in pharmaceutical formulations[4].
International Filings
- The invention has international implications, with filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). For example, the Canadian patent mentioned above has a PCT filing number (PCT/US2004/035851), indicating global interest in this technology[4].
Global Dossier and IP5 Offices
- The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to access file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, including the IP5 Offices (USPTO, EPO, JPO, KIPO, and SIPO). This service can help in understanding the global patent family and citations related to this invention[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
To conduct a thorough analysis of this patent and its landscape, several tools and resources are available:
USPTO Patent Public Search
- This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and allows users to search for patents using modern interfaces, replacing legacy tools like PubEast and PubWest[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
- The CCD application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application, enabling a single-point access to citation data[1].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
- This dataset, provided by the USPTO, contains detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and applications, which can be used to analyze the scope and trends of patent claims[3].
Impact and Applications
The invention described in U.S. Patent 5,881,926 has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry:
Patient Safety
- The spill-resistant formulation enhances patient safety by reducing the risk of accidental spills and ensuring that the medication is delivered accurately[2].
Ease of Use
- The semisolid formulation makes it easier for patients to administer their medications, particularly for those with dexterity issues or other challenges[2].
Market Competition
- This patent, along with related patents, influences market competition by setting standards for pharmaceutical delivery systems and encouraging innovation in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent defines a specific semisolid formulation using pharmaceutical agents, liquid bases, clays, and cellulose ethers.
- Patent Landscape: The invention is part of a broader landscape that includes related U.S. and international patents.
- Tools and Resources: Utilizing tools like the USPTO Patent Public Search, CCD, and Patent Claims Research Dataset can aid in comprehensive analysis.
- Impact: The invention enhances patient safety, ease of use, and drives innovation in pharmaceutical delivery systems.
FAQs
Q: What is the main innovation described in U.S. Patent 5,881,926?
A: The main innovation is a semisolid pharmaceutical formulation that is spill-resistant, using a combination of a pharmaceutical agent, a liquid base, a clay, and a water-soluble cellulose ether.
Q: How does the use of clay and cellulose ether benefit the formulation?
A: The use of clay and cellulose ether allows for a broader pH range, making it easier to disperse or dissolve the pharmaceutical agent, and enhances the stability and spill resistance of the formulation.
Q: Are there international filings related to this patent?
A: Yes, the invention has international implications with filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and related patents in other countries like Canada.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for this invention?
A: Tools such as the USPTO Patent Public Search, Common Citation Document (CCD), and the Patent Claims Research Dataset can be used for a comprehensive analysis.
Q: How does this patent impact the pharmaceutical industry?
A: The patent enhances patient safety, ease of use, and drives innovation in pharmaceutical delivery systems, influencing market competition and standards.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO. (2018, October 18). Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- US Patent 5881926: United States Patent (19) 11 Patent Number. (1993, August 30). Retrieved from https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/57/29/6b/e1483c6d35bd7b/US5881926.pdf
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO. (2017, August 28). Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Canadian Patents Database: Patent 2540869 Summary - Canadian Patents Database. Retrieved from https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2540869/summary.html?wbdisable=true
