United States Patent 5,886,013: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,886,013, titled "Antiviral composition," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical domain, particularly in the treatment and prevention of viral diseases. This analysis will delve into the scope and claims of the patent, as well as the broader patent landscape surrounding antiviral compositions.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US5,886,013A
- Authority: United States
- Prior Art Date: The patent was filed on December 18, 1995, and granted on March 23, 1999[4].
Invention Description
The patent describes a pharmaceutical composition designed to treat and prevent viral diseases, such as human viral infections. The composition includes a compound with a specific formula, which exhibits immediate and retarded actions against viruses, making it suitable for treating diseases like those affecting the liver[4].
Scope and Claims
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: The composition containing a compound of a specific formula as the active agent.
- Claim 2: The method of administering the composition orally, for example, in the form of tablets.
- Claim 3: The composition including additional antiviral agents to broaden the spectrum of activity against various viruses, such as Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2, and Human Cytomegalovirus[4].
Key Components
- Active Agent: The compound with the specified formula is the core active agent in the composition.
- Administration: The composition can be administered orally, which enhances its usability and patient compliance.
- Broad Spectrum: The inclusion of additional antiviral agents ensures a broad spectrum of activity against multiple viral infections[4].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Domain
Patent landscape analysis in the antiviral domain reveals several key trends and insights:
- Market Developments: Mergers and acquisitions, in/out-licensing, and litigation activities are common in this domain, indicating a highly competitive and dynamic market[3].
- Competitor Analysis: Major pharmaceutical companies are actively involved in developing and patenting antiviral compositions, highlighting the importance of this area in public health and market strategy[3].
Legal Status and Expiry Dates
- Legal Status: The patent US5,886,013A has expired, which means the composition and methods described are now in the public domain.
- Expiry Dates: Understanding the expiry dates of related patents is crucial for planning future research and development. In this case, the expiry of this patent allows other companies to develop similar compositions without infringing on the original patent[3][4].
International Patent Family
The patent landscape analysis also involves identifying the patent family for a specific application across different countries:
- Global Dossier: Tools like the Global Dossier provide access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping to identify the global patent family for this invention[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
Patent Public Search
Tools like the Patent Public Search provided by the USPTO are essential for conducting thorough searches of prior art and related patents. This tool offers enhanced access to prior art and modern interfaces for improved search capabilities[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The CCD application consolidates citation data from participating IP Offices, enabling a comprehensive view of the prior art cited for the family members of a patent application. This is particularly useful in understanding the broader patent landscape and potential overlaps or conflicts[1].
Competitive Insights
Market Trends
- Mergers and Acquisitions: The antiviral market has seen significant mergers and acquisitions, indicating a trend towards consolidation and strategic partnerships.
- In/Licensing: Companies often engage in in-licensing and out-licensing agreements to expand their portfolio of antiviral compositions and technologies[3].
Litigation and Opposition
- Litigation Activities: Patent litigation is common in the pharmaceutical industry, and understanding the litigation history of related patents can provide valuable insights into potential risks and opportunities.
- Opposition Activities: Opposition proceedings can reveal challenges to the validity of patents, which can impact the competitive landscape[3].
Decision-Making and Business Risks
Business Opportunities
- Market Entry: With the expiry of the patent, new companies can enter the market with similar compositions, providing opportunities for innovation and competition.
- Licensing: The public domain status of the composition allows for licensing agreements without the need for royalty payments to the original patent holder[3].
Business Risks
- Litigation Risks: Entering a market with expired patents still requires careful analysis of potential litigation risks from other related patents that may still be in force.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, such as those set by the FDA, is crucial for any new product development in the pharmaceutical sector[5].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Expiry: The patent US5,886,013A has expired, making the described composition and methods publicly available.
- Broad Spectrum: The composition includes a broad spectrum of activity against various viral infections.
- Market Trends: The antiviral market is dynamic, with trends in mergers, acquisitions, and licensing agreements.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring regulatory compliance is essential for any new product development in this domain.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 5,886,013?
The main focus of this patent is on an antiviral composition designed to treat and prevent human viral infections.
What are the key components of the antiviral composition described in the patent?
The composition includes a compound with a specific formula as the active agent and can be administered orally, often in the form of tablets. It may also include additional antiviral agents to broaden its spectrum of activity.
Is the patent still in force?
No, the patent US5,886,013A has expired, making the described composition and methods publicly available.
How does the expiry of this patent impact the market?
The expiry allows new companies to develop and market similar compositions without infringing on the original patent, potentially increasing competition and innovation in the antiviral market.
What tools are available for conducting a thorough patent search related to this domain?
Tools such as the Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD) are available for conducting thorough searches of prior art and related patents.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- Sagacious Research - Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis: https://sagaciousresearch.com/blog/navigating-technological-domains-with-patent-landscape-analysis/
- Google Patents - US5886013A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5886013A/en
- FDA - CPY Document: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2005/021818s000_AdminCorres.pdf
