Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,479,065
Introduction
United States Patent 6,479,065, titled "Systems for delivering sustained levels of medication," was granted on November 12, 2002. This patent pertains to systems designed to deliver medication over an extended period, utilizing biodegradable materials. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent describes systems for delivering sustained levels of medication, particularly focusing on the use of biodegradable materials such as polymers to encapsulate the medicament. This technology is crucial in the field of pharmaceuticals, especially for treatments that require prolonged drug release.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected.
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the core of the invention. For example:
- Claim 1: This claim describes a system for delivering a medicament, comprising a biodegradable polymer matrix and the medicament encapsulated within the matrix, where the system is designed to release the medicament over a sustained period[5].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the invention, often narrowing down the scope by adding additional features or limitations. These claims build upon the independent claims and provide more detailed descriptions of the system.
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
The claims are structured to cover various aspects of the system, including the composition of the biodegradable polymer matrix, the method of encapsulating the medicament, and the characteristics of the sustained release.
Key Elements
- Biodegradable Polymer Matrix: The patent emphasizes the use of biodegradable polymers, which are crucial for the sustained release of the medicament.
- Medicament Encapsulation: The method of encapsulating the medicament within the polymer matrix is a key element, ensuring controlled release over time.
- Sustained Release: The system is designed to release the medicament over an extended period, which is a critical feature for therapeutic efficacy.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Technologies
The patent landscape in the field of sustained medication delivery systems is extensive and includes various technologies related to biodegradable materials and drug delivery mechanisms.
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
To understand the broader landscape, one can use resources like the Global Dossier, which provides access to file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This helps in identifying similar patents and applications filed globally[1].
Prior Art and Citation Data
Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) can be used to consolidate prior art cited by multiple patent offices, helping to visualize the global patent landscape for similar inventions[1].
Industry Trends and Players
The pharmaceutical industry is a significant player in the development of sustained medication delivery systems. Companies like IBM, Samsung, Canon, Qualcomm, and Google, though not directly related to pharmaceuticals, often hold patents in various technological fields that could intersect with medical innovations. In the pharmaceutical sector, companies such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck are active in developing and patenting new drug delivery systems[4].
Economic and Statistical Insights
According to the USPTO, patents in the health and medical fields are predominantly held by private sector companies. In 2016, for example, the private sector received 85% of the patents granted in the U.S., with a significant portion of these being in the high-technology manufacturing and commercial knowledge-intensive services sectors[4].
Legal and Policy Considerations
Patent Enforcement and Litigation
The enforcement of patents like US 6,479,065 involves complex legal considerations. The study on a potential small claims patent court by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) highlights the need for efficient and cost-effective mechanisms for resolving patent disputes, which could impact the enforcement of such patents[2].
International Patent Protection
Given the global nature of pharmaceutical research and development, international patent protection is crucial. The USPTO data shows that foreign owners account for a significant portion of U.S. patents, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in patent protection[4].
Practical Applications and Impact
Therapeutic Benefits
The system described in the patent has significant therapeutic benefits, particularly for treatments requiring prolonged drug release. This can improve patient compliance and the efficacy of the treatment.
Market and Commercial Aspects
The commercial success of such systems depends on various factors, including regulatory approvals, market demand, and competition from other drug delivery technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Biodegradable Materials: The use of biodegradable polymers is a critical aspect of the invention.
- Sustained Release: The system is designed to release the medicament over an extended period.
- Patent Scope: The claims define the specific aspects of the invention that are protected.
- Industry Trends: The pharmaceutical industry is a key player in the development of such systems.
- Legal Considerations: Efficient mechanisms for resolving patent disputes are essential for the enforcement of such patents.
FAQs
What is the primary focus of United States Patent 6,479,065?
The primary focus of this patent is on systems for delivering sustained levels of medication using biodegradable polymer matrices.
How does the patent define the scope of the invention?
The scope is defined by the claims, which include independent and dependent claims outlining the biodegradable polymer matrix, the method of encapsulating the medicament, and the sustained release characteristics.
What are the key elements of the invention?
The key elements include the biodegradable polymer matrix, the method of encapsulating the medicament, and the sustained release of the medicament over time.
How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
It fits into a landscape that includes various technologies related to biodegradable materials and drug delivery mechanisms, with significant contributions from pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
What are the practical applications of this invention?
The practical applications include improved therapeutic benefits, particularly for treatments requiring prolonged drug release, which can enhance patient compliance and treatment efficacy.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for Patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- NSF - Invention, Knowledge Transfer, and Innovation: https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2018/nsb20181/report/sections/invention-knowledge-transfer-and-innovation/invention-united-states-and-comparative-global-trends
- United States Patent 6,479,065: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/ec/3b/46/19a015d0c33d46/US6479065.pdf
