United States Patent 6,348,210: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 6,348,210, titled "Methods for transdermal drug administration," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This patent, granted to its inventors, outlines innovative methods and devices for the transdermal delivery of drugs. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Patent Title and Number
The patent in question is titled "Methods for transdermal drug administration" and bears the number US 6,348,210 B1. It was granted on February 19, 2002[5].
Inventors and Assignees
The inventors of this patent are credited with developing a novel approach to transdermal drug delivery. The assignee of the patent would typically be the entity that owns the rights to the invention, often the employer of the inventors or a company that has acquired the patent rights.
Patent Classification
This patent falls under the classification related to medical devices and pharmaceuticals, specifically within the realm of transdermal drug delivery systems. The classification helps in understanding the broader category of inventions this patent belongs to and aids in searching for similar patents.
Scope of the Patent
Invention Description
The patent describes methods and devices for the transdermal administration of drugs. Specifically, it details adhesive transdermal drug delivery devices that can be removed and reapplied to the skin without losing their adhesive properties. This innovation is crucial for patient compliance and comfort, as it allows for the device to be temporarily removed for various reasons, such as bathing or exercising, and then reapplied[5].
Technical Details
The patent provides detailed technical descriptions of the materials and processes involved in creating these transdermal devices. It includes specifications on the types of adhesives, the structure of the device, and how the drug is delivered through the skin. These technical details are essential for understanding the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention.
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the invention in its broadest terms and are typically the most critical claims. Dependent claims, on the other hand, are narrower and build upon the independent claims, often adding specific details or limitations.
Claim Analysis
- Independent Claims: These claims outline the core invention, such as the method of transdermal drug delivery using a removable and reapplicable adhesive device.
- Dependent Claims: These claims may specify particular materials used for the adhesive, the design of the device, or specific steps in the method of application and removal.
Claim Construction
The construction of the claims is crucial for determining the scope of protection afforded by the patent. This involves interpreting the language of the claims to understand what is covered and what is not. In patent litigation, claim construction is often a critical issue.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding US 6,348,210 includes other patents related to transdermal drug delivery systems. These patents may cover similar methods, devices, or materials. For example, other patents might focus on different types of adhesives, drug formulations, or device designs.
Prior Art
Understanding the prior art is essential for assessing the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention. Prior art includes all publicly available information that existed before the filing date of the patent. This can include earlier patents, scientific literature, and other public disclosures.
International Patent Filings
To fully understand the patent landscape, it is important to look at international patent filings. The same or similar inventions may have been filed in other countries, providing a global perspective on the protection and scope of the invention. Tools like the Global Dossier and PATENTSCOPE can be used to search for related international patent applications[4].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides several resources for searching and analyzing patents. The Patent Public Search tool, for instance, allows for comprehensive searches of prior art and existing patents. The Global Dossier service provides access to file histories of related applications from participating IP offices[4].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can be used to analyze claims from US patents and applications. This dataset includes detailed information on claims and their dependency relationships, which can be useful in understanding the scope and complexity of patent claims[3].
Legal and Policy Considerations
Patent Prosecution
The process of obtaining a patent involves several legal and procedural steps. This includes submitting a patent application, responding to examiner rejections, and arguing for the patentability of the invention. Section 101 of the Patent Act, which deals with subject matter eligibility, is a critical aspect of patent prosecution[1].
Small Claims Patent Court
There have been discussions and studies on the feasibility of a small claims patent court, which could impact how patent disputes related to inventions like US 6,348,210 are handled. Such a court could provide a more streamlined and cost-effective way to resolve patent disputes, especially for smaller entities[2].
Key Takeaways
- Innovation in Transdermal Drug Delivery: US 6,348,210 represents a significant innovation in the field of transdermal drug delivery, offering a removable and reapplicable adhesive device.
- Scope and Claims: The patent's scope is defined by its claims, which include both independent and dependent claims that outline the method and device.
- Patent Landscape: The patent landscape includes related patents, prior art, and international filings that provide a comprehensive view of the invention's place in the field.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Various tools provided by the USPTO and other resources are essential for searching and analyzing patents to understand their scope and claims.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of US 6,348,210?
The main innovation of US 6,348,210 is the development of adhesive transdermal drug delivery devices that can be removed and reapplied to the skin without losing their adhesive properties.
How do you search for related patents?
You can search for related patents using the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier service, and other international patent databases like PATENTSCOPE and esp@cenet[4].
What are the key components of a patent claim?
The key components of a patent claim include the preamble, the body of the claim, and any limitations or dependencies. These components together define the scope of the invention.
How does Section 101 of the Patent Act impact patent prosecution?
Section 101 of the Patent Act deals with subject matter eligibility and is a critical aspect of patent prosecution. It determines whether the invention falls within one of the four statutory categories of patentable subject matter[1].
What is the purpose of the Global Dossier service?
The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP offices, allowing users to see the patent family for a specific application and access dossier, classification, and citation data[4].
