United States Patent 6,514,482: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 6,514,482, titled "Pulmonary delivery in treating disorders of the central nervous system," is a significant patent that outlines a method for delivering medicaments, such as dopamine precursors or dopamine agonists, directly to the central nervous system via the respiratory tract. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape in which it resides.
Patent Overview
Title and Abstract
The patent, granted on January 28, 2003, describes a method for treating disorders of the central nervous system through pulmonary delivery of specific medicaments. The abstract highlights the innovative approach of using the lungs as a portal for delivering drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier, thereby targeting central nervous system disorders more effectively[5].
Scope of the Patent
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
- Claim 1: A method of treating a disorder of the central nervous system, comprising administering to the respiratory tract of a patient a medicament selected from the group consisting of a dopamine precursor and a dopamine agonist.
- Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the medicament is administered in a form that allows it to be absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream.
- Claim 3: The method of claim 1, wherein the disorder is Parkinson's disease[5].
These claims delineate the specific methods and medicaments covered under the patent, ensuring that any similar methods or drugs would infringe on these claims.
Detailed Description
The detailed description section of the patent provides a thorough explanation of the invention, including the background, summary, and detailed description of the preferred embodiments. This section is crucial for understanding the technical aspects and the innovative steps involved in the pulmonary delivery method[5].
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
The claims are structured to cover various aspects of the invention, from the method of administration to the specific types of medicaments used. This structure helps in defining the boundaries of the patent and what would be considered an infringement.
Claim Dependency
Some claims are dependent on others, meaning they build upon the earlier claims to add more specificity or additional elements. For example, Claim 2 is dependent on Claim 1, adding the detail about the form of the medicament that allows it to be absorbed through the lungs[5].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape for pulmonary delivery systems and central nervous system treatments is extensive. Other patents and applications in this field often focus on different delivery mechanisms, such as intravenous or oral administration, or on different types of medicaments. For instance, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) have classified patents related to nanotechnology and drug delivery systems, which might intersect with this patent's scope[1][4].
International Patent Offices
To understand the global reach of similar patents, it is essential to search international patent databases. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provides the PATENTSCOPE® Search Service, which includes full-text searches of published international patent applications. This can help in identifying similar patents filed in other countries[1].
Citation Analysis
Citation analysis, as discussed in the OECD/EPO patent citations database, can provide insights into the influence of this patent on subsequent inventive activities. By tracing forward and backward citations, one can understand the technological development trajectory and the impact of this patent on the broader field of drug delivery systems[4].
Search Tools and Resources
USPTO Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers several tools for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, which replaced legacy search tools like PubEast and PubWest. The Global Dossier service allows users to access file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, which can be useful in understanding the patent family and related citations[1].
International Databases
Databases such as esp@cenet from the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japan Patent Office's (JPO) database provide access to machine translations of European and Japanese patents, respectively. These resources are crucial for a comprehensive search of prior art and related patents[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents granted between 1976 and 2014 and U.S. patent applications published between 2001 and 2014. This dataset can be used to analyze the scope and impact of patents like 6,514,482 on the broader patent landscape and economic trends[3].
Technological Development
Patent analysis, as highlighted in the OECD report, is a valuable tool for examining continuous knowledge flows from science to technology. By analyzing patents like 6,514,482, researchers can trace the development of technological innovations in the field of drug delivery systems and central nervous system treatments[4].
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Delivery Method: The patent introduces a novel method of delivering medicaments directly to the central nervous system via the respiratory tract.
- Specific Claims: The patent includes detailed claims that define the scope of the invention, covering the method of administration and specific types of medicaments.
- Broader Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger landscape of drug delivery systems and central nervous system treatments, with related patents and applications filed globally.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Utilizing tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and international databases is essential for a comprehensive analysis of the patent and its impact.
- Economic and Research Implications: The patent contributes to the broader understanding of technological development and economic trends in the field of pharmaceuticals.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of United States Patent 6,514,482?
The main innovation is the method of treating disorders of the central nervous system through the pulmonary delivery of medicaments such as dopamine precursors or dopamine agonists.
How does the pulmonary delivery method work?
The method involves administering the medicament to the respiratory tract, where it is absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream, allowing it to cross the blood-brain barrier and target the central nervous system.
What are the key claims of the patent?
The key claims include the method of administering the medicament, the form of the medicament that allows it to be absorbed through the lungs, and the specific types of medicaments used.
How can one search for related patents globally?
One can use international patent databases such as WIPO's PATENTSCOPE® Search Service, the EPO's esp@cenet, and the JPO's database to search for related patents filed in other countries.
What tools are available for analyzing the patent landscape?
Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Patent Claims Research Dataset are available for analyzing the patent landscape and understanding the impact of the patent.
Sources
- USPTO: "Search for patents - USPTO"
- DrugPatentWatch: "Drugs covered by patent 6,514,482. Claims, international patent ..."
- USPTO: "Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO"
- OECD: "Capturing Nanotechnology's Current State of Development via ..."
- PubChem: "Pulmonary delivery in treating disorders of the central nervous system"
