United States Patent 6,211,205: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 6,211,205, titled "Pharmaceutical composition," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the treatment of diabetes. This patent, issued on April 3, 2001, to inventors Hitoshi Ikeda, Takashi Sohda, and Hiroyuki Odaka, and assigned to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company (TCI), outlines specific methods for reducing the side effects of diabetes treatments.
Patent Overview
Title and Inventors
The patent, titled "Pharmaceutical composition," was invented by Hitoshi Ikeda, Takashi Sohda, and Hiroyuki Odaka. It was assigned to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company (TCI), a leading pharmaceutical company known for its innovative treatments[2].
Issue Date and Expiration
The patent was issued on April 3, 2001, and it expired on June 19, 2016, following the standard 15-year term from the issue date for pharmaceutical patents[2].
Claims
Primary Claims
The patent claims inter alia methods for reducing the side effects of active components administered to diabetic patients. Specifically, it involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of pioglitazone or its salts in combination with an insulin secretion enhancer, such as a sulfonylurea. This combination aims to mitigate the adverse effects associated with traditional diabetes treatments[2].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further elaborate on the primary claims by specifying the types of insulin secretion enhancers, dosages, and administration methods. These claims are designed to protect the specific embodiments of the invention, ensuring that any variations or improvements are also covered under the patent[3].
Scope of the Patent
Therapeutic Application
The patent focuses on the therapeutic application of pioglitazone in combination with other drugs to treat diabetes. Pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione, is used to improve insulin sensitivity, while the combination with an insulin secretion enhancer like a sulfonylurea aims to enhance the overall efficacy and reduce side effects[2].
Pharmaceutical Composition
The patent describes the pharmaceutical composition in detail, including the active ingredients, their proportions, and the formulation methods. This ensures that the patented composition is distinct and novel compared to existing treatments[2].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent is part of a family of patents held by TCI, including other related patents such as U.S. Patent No. 6,172,090 and U.S. Patent No. 6,271,243. These patents collectively cover various aspects of pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating diabetes, indicating a robust intellectual property strategy by TCI[2].
International Patent Family
The patent is likely part of an international patent family, with corresponding patents filed in other countries. This is a common practice to ensure global protection for the invention. Users can utilize resources like the Global Dossier and international patent databases to identify related applications filed at participating IP Offices[1].
Litigation and Enforcement
Infringement Claims
The patent has been involved in litigation, with TCI and its exclusive licensee, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America (TPNA), asserting infringement claims against other companies. For instance, Alphapharm's Notice of Certification under 21 U.S.C. ยง 355(j)(2)(B)(ii) alleged that the claims of the '205 patent were invalid, unenforceable, or would not be infringed. However, the USPTO had previously determined that the claims were novel and unobvious in view of the cited references[2].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
To conduct a thorough analysis of this patent, one can use various resources provided by the USPTO, such as the Patent Public Search tool, which offers enhanced access to prior art. The Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) applications are also useful for identifying related applications and citation data across different IP Offices[1].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including those related to the '205 patent. This dataset helps in analyzing the scope and dependency relationships between claims, offering insights into the patent's breadth and depth[3].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Title and Inventors: "Pharmaceutical composition" by Hitoshi Ikeda, Takashi Sohda, and Hiroyuki Odaka.
- Issue and Expiration Dates: Issued on April 3, 2001, and expired on June 19, 2016.
- Claims: Methods for reducing side effects of diabetes treatments using pioglitazone and insulin secretion enhancers.
- Scope: Focuses on therapeutic applications and pharmaceutical compositions for diabetes treatment.
- Related Patents: Part of a family of patents held by TCI, including U.S. Patent No. 6,172,090 and U.S. Patent No. 6,271,243.
- Litigation: Involved in infringement claims and validity challenges.
FAQs
What is the main claim of U.S. Patent 6,211,205?
The main claim involves methods for reducing the side effects of diabetes treatments by administering a combination of pioglitazone and an insulin secretion enhancer.
Who are the inventors of U.S. Patent 6,211,205?
The inventors are Hitoshi Ikeda, Takashi Sohda, and Hiroyuki Odaka.
What is the expiration date of U.S. Patent 6,211,205?
The patent expired on June 19, 2016.
Is U.S. Patent 6,211,205 part of an international patent family?
Yes, it is likely part of an international patent family, with corresponding patents filed in other countries.
What resources can be used to analyze the scope and claims of U.S. Patent 6,211,205?
Resources include the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, Common Citation Document (CCD), and the Patent Claims Research Dataset.
Has U.S. Patent 6,211,205 been involved in any litigation?
Yes, it has been involved in infringement claims and validity challenges, such as those raised by Alphapharm.
Sources
- USPTO, "Search for patents - USPTO," USPTO.
- United States District Court, "UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA," Insight.RPXcorp.
- USPTO, "Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO," USPTO.
