Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,365,581
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for determining its validity, enforceability, and potential impact on the market. This article will delve into the details of United States Patent 6,365,581, focusing on its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
United States Patent 6,365,581 is titled "Method for Treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease" and was issued to a inventor or assignee involved in the development of treatments for pulmonary diseases.
Patent Scope
Background
The patent pertains to a method for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using specific formulations of mometasone furoate administered via oral inhalation. The invention aims to improve the efficacy and safety of COPD treatment by optimizing the particle size and dosage of the medication[5].
Technical Details
- Active Ingredient: The patent involves the use of mometasone furoate, a corticosteroid, in treating COPD.
- Administration Method: The medication is administered through oral inhalation, with particles having sizes equal to or less than about 6.5 μm to ensure effective delivery to the lungs.
- Dosage: The daily doses are specified to include at least about 250 μg of the particles[5].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the core aspects of the invention. These claims typically outline the method of treatment, the composition of the medication, and the specific conditions under which the treatment is administered.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the independent claims, often narrowing down the scope to particular aspects such as the size of the particles, the dosage range, or the specific formulation of mometasone furoate.
Claim Examples
- Claim 1: A method for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, comprising administering by oral inhalation particles of mometasone furoate in daily doses where at least about 250 μg of the particles have sizes equal to or less than about 6.5 μm.
- Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the particles have a mean particle size of about 3.5 μm to about 5.5 μm.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent 6,365,581 is part of a larger family of patents related to the treatment of pulmonary diseases. Other patents in this family include:
- U.S. Patents 5,474,759; 5,889,015; 6,057,307; 6,068,832; 6,503,482; 6,677,322; and 6,677,323, which also pertain to methods and compositions for treating respiratory disorders using similar active ingredients[5].
Global Patent Family
The patent is part of an international patent family, with corresponding applications and grants in other countries such as Europe (EP1667687A1), Japan (JP2007506768A), Canada (CA2540005A1), Mexico (MXPA06003376A), and a PCT application (WO2005030220A1)[5].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
To conduct a thorough analysis of the patent landscape, one can use resources provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), such as the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS)[1].
Patent Analytics
Advanced patent analytics tools can help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify gaps or opportunities in the current patent coverage. Tools like ClaimScape® software can generate interactive claim charts to review patent coverage with technical experts[3].
Valuation and Market Impact
Valuation Methods
The value of a patent like 6,365,581 can be determined using cost, income, and market valuation methods. For instance, the income approach considers the future benefits provided by the patent, such as revenue or cost savings, over its lifetime[4].
Market Transactions
Historical transactions involving similar patents can provide insights into their market value. For example, the sale of Nortel's patent portfolio for $4.5 billion and Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility's patents for $12.5 billion highlight the significant value that patents can hold in the market[4].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent 6,365,581 is focused on a specific method for treating COPD using mometasone furoate.
- Claims Analysis: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the method and composition of the treatment.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger family of patents related to pulmonary disease treatments and has international counterparts.
- Valuation: The value of the patent can be determined using various valuation methods and considering market transactions.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 6,365,581?
The main subject of United States Patent 6,365,581 is a method for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using specific formulations of mometasone furoate administered via oral inhalation.
How can one search for related patents?
One can use resources such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and international patent databases like those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
What are the key claims of the patent?
The key claims include the method of treatment, the composition of mometasone furoate, and the specific conditions under which the treatment is administered, such as particle size and dosage.
How is the value of a patent like 6,365,581 determined?
The value can be determined using cost, income, and market valuation methods, considering factors such as future benefits, replacement costs, and market transactions involving similar patents[4].
What tools can be used for advanced patent analytics?
Tools like ClaimScape® software can be used to categorize patents by claims and scope concepts, generating interactive claim charts to review patent coverage with technical experts[3].
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO
- USA.gov: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov
- SLWIP: Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law
- Perpetual Motion Patents: The value of a patent - Perpetual Motion Patents
- Google Patents: EP1667687A1 - Pulmonary disease treatment - Google Patents
