Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,968,914
Introduction
United States Patent 5,968,914, titled "Treatment of Chemotherapeutic Agent and Antiviral Agent Toxicity with Ribonucleotides," was assigned to Wellstat Therapeutics Corp. This patent is a significant example of intellectual property in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the treatment of toxicities associated with chemotherapeutic and antiviral agents. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Title and Assignees
The patent, titled "Treatment of Chemotherapeutic Agent and Antiviral Agent Toxicity with Ribonucleotides," was assigned to Wellstat Therapeutics Corp. This indicates that the invention is related to medical treatments, specifically focusing on mitigating the adverse effects of certain therapeutic agents[5].
Priority Date and Grant Date
The priority date for this patent is October 28, 1987, which marks the beginning of the patent application process. The grant date, while not specified in the provided sources, is typically several years after the priority date, reflecting the time required for the patent office to review and approve the application.
Scope of the Invention
Background and Motivation
The invention addresses a critical issue in medical treatment: the toxicity associated with chemotherapeutic and antiviral agents. These agents, while effective against diseases, can have severe side effects that impact patient health and quality of life. The patent aims to provide a method or composition that reduces these toxicities, improving patient outcomes.
Technical Details
The patent involves the use of ribonucleotides to treat or prevent the toxicity caused by chemotherapeutic and antiviral agents. Ribonucleotides are crucial components of RNA and play a significant role in various cellular processes. By leveraging these compounds, the inventors sought to develop a therapeutic approach that could mitigate the harmful effects of these agents without compromising their therapeutic efficacy.
Claims Analysis
Independent and Dependent Claims
Patent claims are the heart of any patent, defining the scope of protection. For US Patent 5,968,914, the claims would typically include:
- Independent Claims: These define the broadest scope of the invention. For example, a claim might describe the method of treating toxicity using ribonucleotides.
- Dependent Claims: These narrow down the scope by adding specific details or limitations to the independent claims. For instance, a dependent claim might specify the type of ribonucleotide used or the dosage regimen.
Claim Construction and Interpretation
The construction and interpretation of claims are crucial for understanding the patent's scope. This involves analyzing the language used in the claims, the specifications provided in the patent description, and any relevant prior art. The claims must be clear, concise, and supported by the patent's written description to ensure enforceability[3].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Novelty
To be granted, a patent must demonstrate novelty and non-obviousness over prior art. The inventors would have conducted a thorough search of existing patents and publications to ensure their invention was unique. Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases would have been utilized to identify relevant prior art[1].
Competing Patents and Technologies
The pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, with numerous patents and technologies aimed at treating similar conditions. Analyzing the patent landscape involves identifying competing patents, understanding their claims, and assessing how they differ from or overlap with US Patent 5,968,914. This analysis helps in determining the market position and potential for infringement or collaboration.
Technology Areas and Trends
The patent falls under the broader category of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Trends in these areas, as reported by the USPTO and other global intellectual property offices, show a significant increase in patents related to medical treatments and therapeutic agents. The electrical engineering and chemistry fields, which include pharmaceutical technologies, have seen substantial growth in patent filings over the years[4].
Economic and Practical Implications
Market Impact
The invention described in US Patent 5,968,914 has the potential to significantly impact the market by providing a safer and more effective treatment option for patients undergoing chemotherapy or antiviral therapy. This can lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs associated with managing side effects, and a competitive advantage for Wellstat Therapeutics Corp.
Licensing and Collaboration
Given the importance of this invention, there may be opportunities for licensing or collaboration with other pharmaceutical companies. This could expand the reach of the treatment and accelerate its development and commercialization.
Conclusion
US Patent 5,968,914 represents a valuable contribution to the field of pharmaceuticals, addressing a critical need in the treatment of chemotherapeutic and antiviral agent toxicities. Understanding the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape is essential for navigating the complex world of intellectual property and leveraging this invention for maximum benefit.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Focus: The patent focuses on using ribonucleotides to treat toxicities associated with chemotherapeutic and antiviral agents.
- Scope and Claims: The claims define the method and composition for this treatment, with independent and dependent claims outlining the scope of protection.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger landscape of pharmaceutical patents, with competing technologies and trends in medical treatments.
- Economic Impact: The invention has significant market potential, improving patient outcomes and offering a competitive advantage.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary focus of US Patent 5,968,914?
The primary focus is on treating the toxicity associated with chemotherapeutic and antiviral agents using ribonucleotides.
Q2: How do patent claims define the scope of protection for this invention?
Patent claims define the scope by specifying the method and composition for treating toxicity, with independent claims providing the broadest scope and dependent claims adding specific details.
Q3: What tools can be used to search for prior art related to this patent?
Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases like those from the European Patent Office (EPO) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can be used to search for prior art.
Q4: How does this patent fit into the broader pharmaceutical patent landscape?
The patent is part of a growing trend in pharmaceutical patents, particularly in the areas of medical treatments and therapeutic agents, and competes with other technologies aimed at similar conditions.
Q5: What are the potential economic implications of this invention?
The invention has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs associated with managing side effects, and provide a competitive advantage for Wellstat Therapeutics Corp.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court. Retrieved from https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- NSF - Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends. Retrieved from https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20204/invention-u-s-and-comparative-global-trends
- Unified Patents Portal - US-20070072796-A1. Retrieved from https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20070072796-A1
