United States Patent 6,375,978: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 6,375,978, titled "Rate controlling membranes for controlled drug delivery devices," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This patent, issued to inventors who developed innovative rate controlling membranes, is crucial for understanding advancements in drug delivery systems. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, numbered US6,375,978B1, was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Prior Art and Background
The invention builds upon a foundation of prior art related to drug delivery devices, particularly transdermal drug delivery systems. The patent references several earlier patents that have contributed to the development of rate controlling membranes[4].
Legal Status
As of the current date, the patent has expired, marking the end of its lifetime and the transition of the technology into the public domain[4].
Scope of the Invention
Purpose and Objectives
The primary objective of this patent is to provide rate controlling membranes for controlled drug delivery devices that are stable over time and exhibit predictable drug permeabilities. These membranes are designed to ensure consistent drug delivery, unaffected by thermal transients or storage time[4].
Key Aspects
- Rate Controlling Membranes: The invention focuses on membranes that control the rate of drug delivery. These membranes can be fabricated from permeable, semi-permeable, or microporous materials such as polyolefins, polyvinyl acetate, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers[4].
- Thermal Stability: The membranes are subjected to elevated temperatures to enhance their stability and predictability in drug permeability[4].
- Storage Stability: The invention ensures that the drug permeabilities remain stable over a storage period, which is crucial for the efficacy of the drug delivery device[4].
- Enhanced Drug Permeability: The membranes are designed to provide enhanced drug permeability, which is vital for the effective delivery of drugs through transdermal systems[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims cover:
- Rate Controlling Membrane: A membrane characterized by its ability to control the rate of drug delivery, fabricated from specific materials and subjected to a particular temperature treatment[4].
- Drug Delivery Device: A device comprising a drug reservoir, a backing layer, and the rate controlling membrane, designed to adhere to the skin and deliver drugs consistently[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the invention, including:
- Materials for the Membrane: Specific materials such as polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers are mentioned as preferred materials for the rate controlling membrane[4].
- Adhesive and Fastening Means: The use of adhesive overlays or other fastening means like belts and elastic arm bands to secure the device to the skin[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape for drug delivery devices is extensive and includes numerous patents that have contributed to the development of rate controlling membranes. Earlier patents referenced in US6,375,978 include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,797,494, 4,031,894, and others, which have laid the groundwork for this invention[4].
Global Dossier and Public Search Facilities
For researchers and inventors, tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO offer a comprehensive view of related patent applications and their status across different intellectual property offices. The Public Search Facility and local Patent and Trademark Resource Centers are also valuable resources for searching and understanding the patent landscape[1].
Economic and Academic Data
The USPTO provides extensive data on patent assignments and transactions, which can be useful for analyzing the economic impact and ownership changes related to patents like US6,375,978. This data, maintained by the Office of the Chief Economist, includes information on roughly 10.0 million patent assignments and other transactions since 1970[3].
Importance of Correct Inventorship
In the context of patent law, correctly identifying the inventors is crucial. Errors in inventorship can lead to patents being invalid and unenforceable, especially if there is deceptive intent involved. The case of Frank’s Casing Crew v. PMR Technologies highlights the importance of accurate inventorship determination[2].
Impact on Drug Delivery Technology
The invention described in US6,375,978 has significantly impacted the field of drug delivery technology by providing more predictable and stable drug delivery systems. This advancement has improved the efficacy and reliability of transdermal drug delivery devices, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.
Key Takeaways
- Stable and Predictable Drug Delivery: The patent focuses on rate controlling membranes that ensure stable and predictable drug permeabilities.
- Thermal and Storage Stability: The membranes are designed to maintain their properties under various thermal conditions and over storage time.
- Enhanced Drug Permeability: The invention enhances drug permeability, which is critical for effective drug delivery.
- Comprehensive Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes numerous related patents and resources available through the USPTO.
- Importance of Correct Inventorship: Accurate identification of inventors is vital to maintain the validity and enforceability of patents.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary purpose of the rate controlling membranes described in US6,375,978?
A: The primary purpose is to ensure stable and predictable drug permeabilities in controlled drug delivery devices.
Q: What materials are commonly used for the rate controlling membranes?
A: Materials such as polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers are commonly used.
Q: Why is thermal stability important for these membranes?
A: Thermal stability ensures that the drug permeabilities remain consistent despite changes in temperature.
Q: How does the invention impact drug delivery technology?
A: The invention improves the efficacy and reliability of transdermal drug delivery devices by providing more predictable drug delivery.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrect inventorship in patent applications?
A: Incorrect inventorship, especially with deceptive intent, can render a patent invalid and unenforceable.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Determining Inventorship for US Patent Applications: https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agsci/files/main/research/vrc_release_inventorship-gattari.pdf
- Patent and patent application Claims data: https://developer.uspto.gov/product/patent-and-patent-application-claims-data-stata-dta-and-ms-excel-csv
- US6375978B1 - Rate controlling membranes for controlled drug delivery devices: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6375978B1/en
