United States Patent 6,534,092 B2: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 6,534,092 B2, titled "Method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals and materials science. This patent, assigned to Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc., outlines a method for controlling the molecular weight of polymers in microparticles, which is crucial for various applications, including drug delivery systems.
Background of the Invention
The patent addresses the need for a precise method to control the molecular weight of polymers in microparticles. This is essential because the molecular weight of the polymer can significantly affect the properties and performance of the microparticles, such as their release profile, stability, and biocompatibility[1].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of this patent is broad and encompasses several key aspects:
Methodology
The patent describes a method for preparing microparticles with a selected polymer molecular weight. This involves controlling the reaction conditions, such as the concentration of a nucleophilic compound and the starting molecular weight of the polymer. By adjusting these parameters, the inventors can achieve a desired molecular weight in the finished microparticle product[1].
Applications
The method is applicable to various types of polymers and microparticles, making it versatile for different industrial and pharmaceutical uses. This includes drug delivery systems, where the controlled release of active ingredients is critical.
Materials
The patent specifies the use of various polymers and nucleophilic compounds. The selection of these materials is crucial for achieving the desired molecular weight and properties of the microparticles.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes 44 claims that detail the specific steps, conditions, and materials involved in the method. Here are some key claims:
Claim 1
The patent claims a method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight, involving the reaction of a polymer with a nucleophilic compound under controlled conditions[1].
Claim 4
This claim specifies that the starting molecular weight of the polymer reduces by an amount in the range of from about 10% to about 50% to reach the desired molecular weight in the finished microparticle product[1].
Claim 10
This claim details the use of specific nucleophilic compounds and the conditions under which the reaction is carried out to achieve the desired molecular weight[1].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent references several prior art documents, including U.S. patents and international patent applications. These prior art documents highlight the existing methods for preparing microparticles but also underscore the limitations and gaps that the current patent addresses[1].
Related Patents
Other patents in the field of microparticle preparation and polymer molecular weight control are relevant. For example, patents related to drug delivery systems and polymer chemistry often intersect with the scope of this patent.
Global Impact
The method described in this patent has global implications, as it can be applied in various countries and industries. The patent's assignee, Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc., is a company with international reach, further emphasizing the global impact of this invention.
Legal and Policy Considerations
Patent Scope Metrics
Research on patent scope metrics, such as independent claim length and independent claim count, can provide insights into the breadth and clarity of the patent claims. Studies have shown that narrower claims are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Small Claims Patent Court
The discussion around establishing a small claims patent court, as studied by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), could impact how patents like this one are litigated and enforced. Such a court could provide a more streamlined and cost-effective way to resolve patent disputes[2].
Practical Considerations
Search and Examination
The process of searching and examining patents, as outlined by the USPTO, is crucial for ensuring the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention. Tools like the Patent Public Search and Global Dossier facilitate this process by providing access to prior art and related applications[4].
Public Access
The USPTO Public Search Facility and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) provide public access to patent information, which is essential for researchers and inventors looking to build upon existing knowledge[4].
Examples and Statistics
Industrial Applications
The method described in this patent has been applied in various industrial settings. For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, controlled release systems using microparticles have shown significant improvements in drug efficacy and patient compliance.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of this patent can be substantial. By providing a precise method for controlling polymer molecular weight, it can reduce production costs and improve product quality, leading to increased market competitiveness.
"By controlling the molecular weight of the polymer, the inventors can achieve a desired molecular weight in the finished microparticle product, which is crucial for various applications, including drug delivery systems."[1]
Key Takeaways
- Methodology: The patent describes a method for preparing microparticles with a selected polymer molecular weight by controlling reaction conditions.
- Scope: The patent is broad, encompassing various polymers, nucleophilic compounds, and applications.
- Claims: The patent includes 44 claims detailing specific steps and conditions.
- Patent Landscape: The patent intersects with prior art and related patents in the field of microparticle preparation and polymer chemistry.
- Legal and Policy Considerations: The patent's scope and enforcement could be influenced by legal and policy developments such as the establishment of a small claims patent court.
- Practical Considerations: Public access to patent information and search tools is essential for building upon this invention.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 6,534,092 B2?
A: The main focus is a method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight.
Q: Who is the assignee of this patent?
A: The assignee is Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc.
Q: What are the key parameters controlled in this method?
A: The key parameters include the concentration of a nucleophilic compound and the starting molecular weight of the polymer.
Q: How does this patent impact the pharmaceutical industry?
A: It provides a precise method for controlling the molecular weight of polymers in microparticles, which is crucial for drug delivery systems.
Q: What tools are available for searching and examining patents related to this invention?
A: Tools such as the Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) are available.
Sources
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. US6534092B2.
- Administrative Conference of the United States. U.S. Patent Small Claims Court.
- SSRN. Patent Claims and Patent Scope.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Search for patents.
