Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,216,033: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for inventors, researchers, and businesses to navigate the intellectual property landscape effectively. This article will delve into the details of United States Patent 6,216,033, providing a thorough analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Background of the Patent
United States Patent 6,216,033, titled "Hydratable Polymeric Ester Matrix for Drug Electrotransport," was granted to address the need for efficient transdermal drug delivery systems. This patent is part of a larger body of work focused on improving medical devices for drug administration.
Scope of the Patent
Overview of the Invention
The patent describes a medical device designed for the transdermal administration of drugs using an electrotransport mechanism. The invention involves a hydratable polymeric ester matrix that serves as a reservoir for the drug, facilitating its delivery through the skin via electrical potential differences[4].
Key Components
- Polymeric Ester Matrix: The core of the invention is a polymeric ester matrix, which is a solid or semi-solid substance that can hold a liquid and contains spaces for the beneficial agent (drug) to populate. This matrix is porous and can be used in electrotransport systems[4].
- Electrotransport Mechanism: The device employs electrotransport mechanisms such as electromigration, electroporation, or electroosmosis to deliver the drug through the skin. This is achieved by creating an electrical potential difference that moves charged ions through the body surface[4].
Therapeutic Applications
The device is designed for the delivery of various biologically active agents, including analgesics like fentanyl and sufentanil. The therapeutic effectiveness of the device is determined by the amount and rate of drug administration needed to produce the desired therapeutic result[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically describe the essential features of the device and the method of drug delivery:
- Claim 1 might describe the overall device, including the polymeric ester matrix, the reservoirs, and the electrodes.
- Claim 2 could detail the method of drug delivery, including the steps involved in activating the electrotransport mechanism[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the invention by adding additional features or limitations to the independent claims. For example:
- A dependent claim might specify the type of polymer used in the matrix or the configuration of the electrodes.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape for transdermal drug delivery systems is extensive and includes several related patents:
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,181,963 and 6,317,629: These patents describe similar electrotransport systems that can incorporate the polymeric ester matrix of the present invention[4].
- US20070225632A1: This patent application also deals with hydratable polymeric ester matrices for drug electrotransport, highlighting the ongoing research and development in this field[4].
International Patent Offices
To understand the global scope, it is essential to search international patent databases:
- The European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provide searchable databases that can help identify similar or related patents filed in other countries[1].
Search Tools and Resources
USPTO Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers several tools for searching patents:
- Patent Public Search: A modern web-based application that provides enhanced access to prior art[1].
- Global Dossier: A service that allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices[1].
International Databases
Other international databases such as esp@cenet (EPO), PATENTSCOPE (WIPO), and KIPRIS (Korea) are crucial for a comprehensive search[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, which can be used to analyze trends and scope measurements. This dataset is particularly useful for understanding the dependency relationships between claims and the overall patent scope[3].
Economic Impact
The development and patenting of advanced drug delivery systems have significant economic implications. These innovations can lead to new market opportunities, improved healthcare outcomes, and increased competition in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
Practical Applications and Future Directions
Clinical Use
The hydratable polymeric ester matrix device has practical applications in clinical settings for managing pain and other conditions. The device's ability to deliver drugs efficiently and with minimal side effects makes it a valuable tool in patient care.
Future Research
Future research in this area may focus on improving the materials used in the polymeric ester matrix, enhancing the electrotransport mechanism, and expanding the range of drugs that can be delivered using this technology.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent covers a hydratable polymeric ester matrix for drug electrotransport, including the device and method of delivery.
- Claims Analysis: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is crucial for defining the invention's scope.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes related patents and international filings.
- Search Resources: Utilizing USPTO and international databases is essential for comprehensive patent searches.
- Economic Impact: The innovation has significant economic and healthcare implications.
FAQs
Q: What is the main purpose of the hydratable polymeric ester matrix in the patent?
A: The main purpose is to serve as a reservoir for drugs in a transdermal drug delivery system, facilitating delivery through the skin via electrotransport mechanisms.
Q: How does the electrotransport mechanism work in this device?
A: The mechanism involves creating an electrical potential difference to move charged ions through the body surface, using techniques such as electromigration, electroporation, or electroosmosis.
Q: What are some related patents in the field of transdermal drug delivery?
A: Patents such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,181,963 and 6,317,629 describe similar electrotransport systems.
Q: Where can I find more information on international patent filings related to this technology?
A: You can search databases provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Q: What resources are available for searching and analyzing patent claims?
A: The USPTO offers tools like Patent Public Search and the Patent Claims Research Dataset, which provide detailed information on claims and their dependency relationships.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- PubChem - Adjustable Current Electrotransport Fentanyl Delivery Device: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-2009312689-A1
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - Hydratable polymeric ester matrix for drug electrotransport: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20070225632/en
- Unified Patents Portal - US-8200327-B2: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-8200327-B2
