United States Patent 6,340,695: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 6,340,695, titled "Rapid Onset Formulation," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the realm of medicinal formulations. This article will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, numbered US6340695B1, was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Prior Art and Keywords
The patent is associated with prior art keywords such as "weight," "rapid onset," "formulation," "pyridoxine HCl," and "doxylamine succinate." These keywords indicate the patent's focus on a specific type of pharmaceutical formulation designed for rapid onset of action[4].
Legal Status
As of the current date, the patent has expired, marking the end of its lifetime[4].
Scope of the Patent
Abstract and Description
The patent describes a novel enterically-coated pyridoxine HCl and doxylamine succinate formulation designed for rapid onset. This formulation includes a disintegrating agent to enhance the speed at which the active ingredients are released and absorbed by the body[4].
Classification
The patent is classified under various categories, including A61K9/20 (pills, tablets, discs, rods) and A61K9/28 (coated pills or tablets, e.g., with film or compression coating). These classifications highlight the patent's relevance to specific areas within pharmaceutical formulations[4].
Claims of the Patent
Claim Structure
The claims of the patent are crucial as they define the scope of protection granted by the USPTO. Typically, patents include independent and dependent claims, with independent claims outlining the broadest scope of the invention and dependent claims narrowing down to specific embodiments.
Metrics for Measuring Patent Scope
Research suggests that metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure patent scope. Patents with narrower claims at publication often have a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process compared to those with broader claims[3].
Patent Landscape
Global Context
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to look beyond the U.S. patent system. International databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, the Japan Patent Office, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE provide access to global patent collections. These resources help in identifying similar or related patents filed in other countries[1].
Related Patents and Patent Families
Using tools like the Global Dossier, users can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This service allows for the identification of patent families and related applications, providing a comprehensive view of the global patent landscape for similar inventions[1].
Citation Data
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application. This tool is particularly useful in understanding how different patent offices have evaluated the same invention, thereby providing a unified view of the prior art[1].
Litigation and Enforcement
Litigation Documents
Patents like US6340695B1 can be involved in litigation, especially when there are disputes over infringement. Documents related to such litigation can provide insights into how the claims of the patent were interpreted and enforced in court[2][5].
Impact on Innovation
Patent Quality and Scope
The scope and claims of a patent can significantly impact innovation. Patents with overly broad claims can lead to increased licensing and litigation costs, potentially diminishing incentives for further innovation. In contrast, patents with well-defined and narrower claims can facilitate clearer boundaries and encourage more focused innovation[3].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
The USPTO offers several tools for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, which replaced legacy search tools like PubEast and PubWest. Additionally, resources like the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) and the Public Search Facility in Alexandria, VA, provide assistance in conducting thorough patent searches[1].
Sequence Listings and Assignment Searches
For patents involving specific sequences or changes in ownership, tools like the Publication Site for Issued and Published Sequences (PSIPS) and the Patent Assignment Search website are invaluable. These resources help in identifying all relevant information associated with a patent[1].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope and Claims: The scope and claims of US6340695B1 define its protection and impact on the pharmaceutical industry.
- Global Patent Landscape: Understanding related patents and patent families through global databases is crucial.
- Litigation and Enforcement: Litigation documents can provide insights into the enforcement of patent claims.
- Impact on Innovation: The quality and scope of patents influence innovation and licensing costs.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Utilizing USPTO resources and other tools is essential for comprehensive patent searches.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 6,340,695?
The main subject of US6340695B1 is a novel enterically-coated pyridoxine HCl and doxylamine succinate formulation designed for rapid onset.
How can one search for related patents globally?
One can use databases like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, the Japan Patent Office, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE to search for related patents globally[1].
What are the implications of patent scope on innovation?
Patents with overly broad claims can lead to increased licensing and litigation costs, potentially diminishing incentives for innovation. Narrower claims, however, can facilitate clearer boundaries and encourage more focused innovation[3].
What tools are available for searching and analyzing patent sequences?
The Publication Site for Issued and Published Sequences (PSIPS) provides access to sequence listings, tables, and other mega items for granted US patents or published US patent applications[1].
How can one identify patent families and related applications?
Using the Global Dossier service, users can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, identifying patent families and related applications[1].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT. Retrieved from https://insight.rpxcorp.com/litigation_documents/11307827
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope. Retrieved from https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- US6340695B1 - Rapid onset formulation. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US6340695B1/en
- PEPPER HAMILTON, LLP John F. Brenner Suite 400 301. Retrieved from https://insight.rpxcorp.com/litigation_documents/10834812
