United States Patent 6,342,482: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 6,342,482, titled "Formulations for controlling human lice," is a significant patent in the field of medical and veterinary science, particularly in the area of antiparasitic agents. This patent, issued to its inventors, outlines specific formulations and methods for controlling human lice, a common and persistent public health issue.
Patent Overview
Publication and Legal Status
The patent was published on January 29, 2002, and has since expired, as indicated by its legal status[4].
Inventors and Assignees
While the specific inventors and assignees are not detailed in the provided sources, it is common for such patents to be assigned to pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.
Scope of the Patent
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically cover the formulations, methods of use, and specific components of the hair care products designed to control human lice. Here are some key aspects:
- Formulations: The patent describes hair care formulations such as shampoos, lotions, and conditioners that contain active ingredients effective against human lice[4].
- Active Ingredients: The formulations include compounds like spinosyn, which is a bioactive ingredient derived from the soil bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa[4].
- Methods of Use: The patent outlines methods for using these formulations to treat and prevent lice infestations.
Classification
The patent is classified under several categories within the International Patent Classification (IPC) system:
- A61K: Preparations for medical, dental, or toiletry purposes, specifically cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterized by their composition[4].
- A61P: Specific therapeutic activity of chemical compounds or medicinal preparations, particularly antiparasitic agents[4].
- A01N: Preservation of bodies of humans or animals or plants or parts thereof; biocides, pest repellants, or attractants; plant growth regulators[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the broad scope of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding specific details or limitations.
- Independent Claims: These typically cover the basic formulation and method of use, such as the composition of the hair care product and the process of applying it to control lice[4].
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims by specifying particular ingredients, concentrations, or application methods.
Claim Scope and Patent Scope
The scope of the patent is determined by the claims, which are critical in defining what is protected under the patent. The Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO provides insights into how claims are structured and how they define the patent scope. For instance, the dataset includes claim-level statistics and document-level statistics that can help in understanding the breadth and depth of the patent claims[3].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Citations
The patent landscape for US 6,342,482 includes prior art and citations that were considered during the patent examination process. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, for example, consolidates prior art cited by participating IP offices, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape for this patent[1].
Related Patents and Applications
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to look at related patents and applications. This can be done using tools like the Patent Public Search tool provided by the USPTO, which allows users to search for prior art and related applications[1].
International Patent Offices
The patent landscape extends beyond the United States. Searching international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can reveal similar or related patents filed in other jurisdictions[1].
Practical Applications and Impact
Market Significance
The formulations described in this patent have significant market implications, particularly in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries. Products based on these formulations can be marketed as effective treatments for lice infestations, a common problem in many parts of the world.
Regulatory Considerations
Regulatory bodies like the FDA play a crucial role in approving these formulations for public use. For instance, the FDA might review patent term extension applications related to such patents to ensure that the public benefits from these inventions while also respecting intellectual property rights[5].
Conclusion
United States Patent 6,342,482 is a critical piece of intellectual property in the field of antiparasitic agents. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for innovators, researchers, and industry professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Formulations and Methods: The patent covers specific hair care formulations and methods for controlling human lice.
- Classification: It is classified under various IPC categories related to medical and veterinary science.
- Claims Analysis: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define its scope.
- Patent Landscape: The landscape includes prior art, related patents, and international filings.
- Practical Applications: The patent has significant market and regulatory implications.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 6,342,482?
A: The main subject is formulations and methods for controlling human lice.
Q: What are the key active ingredients mentioned in the patent?
A: The patent mentions spinosyn as a key active ingredient.
Q: How can one search for related patents and prior art?
A: Tools like the Patent Public Search tool and international patent databases can be used to search for related patents and prior art.
Q: What is the significance of the Common Citation Document (CCD) in patent searching?
A: The CCD consolidates prior art cited by participating IP offices, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape.
Q: How does the FDA play a role in the approval of these formulations?
A: The FDA reviews and approves these formulations for public use, ensuring they meet safety and efficacy standards.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- DrugPatentWatch - Patent 6342482: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/6342482
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US6342482B1: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6342482B1/en
- Regulations.gov - FDA Docket: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FDA-2011-E-0379
