United States Patent 5,985,850: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,985,850, titled "Compositions comprising hyaluronic acid and drugs," was issued on November 16, 1999, to inventors Falk et al. This patent is part of a series of patents related to the use of hyaluronic acid in various medical and cosmetic applications. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent describes compositions that include hyaluronic acid combined with various drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other therapeutic agents. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the body, known for its ability to retain moisture and support tissue health. The invention leverages these properties to enhance the delivery and efficacy of the incorporated drugs.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected. Here are some key points:
Claim Structure
The patent includes multiple claims, each detailing a specific aspect of the composition and its use. For example:
- Independent Claims: These claims define the broadest scope of the invention, such as the composition itself and its primary use.
- Dependent Claims: These claims narrow down the scope by adding specific details or limitations to the independent claims, such as the type of drug used or the method of application[2].
Protected Compositions
The patent protects compositions that include hyaluronic acid and at least one drug. The drugs can be NSAIDs, prostaglandin-synthesis-inhibiting drugs, or other therapeutic agents. The composition can be in various forms, such as gels, creams, or solutions, designed for topical or injectable use[2].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims are crucial as they define the core of the invention. For instance:
- Claim 1 might describe a composition comprising hyaluronic acid and an NSAID.
- Claim 2 might describe a method of treating a condition using the composition.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims by adding specific details. For example:
- A dependent claim might specify the concentration of hyaluronic acid or the type of NSAID used.
- Another dependent claim might describe a particular method of application, such as topical or intradermal injection[2].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The inventors, Falk et al., have been granted several related patents that expand on the use of hyaluronic acid in medical and cosmetic treatments. These include:
- United States Patent 5,639,738: This patent covers the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis using hyaluronic acid and NSAIDs.
- United States Patent 5,792,753: This patent describes compositions comprising hyaluronic acid and prostaglandin-synthesis-inhibiting drugs.
- United States Patent 5,914,322: This patent covers the treatment of various diseases and conditions using hyaluronic acid and therapeutic agents[2].
Global Patent Family
The patent is part of a global patent family, with corresponding patents filed in other countries. For example, the Canadian Patents Database lists similar patents related to cosmetic and therapeutic compositions involving hyaluronic acid[4].
Litigation and Enforcement
The patent has been involved in litigation, as seen in the case of Nycomed US Inc. and Jagotec AG vs. Tolmar, Inc., where the plaintiffs alleged patent infringement related to the use of hyaluronic acid compositions[2].
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 allows users to search for prior art and related patents, providing a comprehensive view of the patent landscape. It includes features like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) to access international patent data and citation information[1].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO provides a dataset containing detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, which can be used to analyze the scope and dependency of claims in patents like 5,985,850. This dataset includes claim-level statistics and document-level statistics, helping in understanding the patent's scope and its place within the broader patent landscape[3].
Key Takeaways
- Protected Compositions: The patent protects specific compositions of hyaluronic acid and drugs, including NSAIDs and other therapeutic agents.
- Claims Structure: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the scope of the invention.
- Related Patents: The inventors have multiple related patents that expand on the use of hyaluronic acid in medical and cosmetic treatments.
- Global Patent Family: The patent is part of a global family with corresponding patents in other countries.
- Litigation: The patent has been involved in litigation cases related to patent infringement.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 5,985,850?
The main subject is compositions comprising hyaluronic acid and drugs, such as NSAIDs and other therapeutic agents.
How can I search for related patents?
You can use the USPTO Patent Public Search tool, which includes features like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) to access related patent information[1].
What are the key claims in this patent?
The key claims include independent claims defining the composition and its use, and dependent claims specifying details such as drug types and application methods[2].
Is this patent part of a global patent family?
Yes, the patent has corresponding patents filed in other countries, such as Canada[4].
Has this patent been involved in any litigation?
Yes, the patent has been involved in litigation cases related to patent infringement, such as the case of Nycomed US Inc. and Jagotec AG vs. Tolmar, Inc.[2].
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO. [Online]. Available: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Law360: Leda Dunn Wettre, Esq. Michael J. Gesualdo, Esq. ROBINSON, WETTRE & MILLER LLC. [Online]. Available: https://insight.rpxcorp.com/litigation_documents/3021039
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO. [Online]. Available: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Canadian Patents Database: Patent 2662581 Summary - Canadian Patents Database. [Online]. Available: https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2662581/summary.html?wbdisable=true
