United States Patent 6,699,492: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 6,699,492, titled "Quinolone carboxylic acid compositions and related methods of treatment," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of ocular and periocular infections. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, numbered US6699492B2, was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Prior Art and Legal Status
The patent was filed on May 10, 2002, and granted on February 24, 2004. As of the current date, the patent has expired, marking the end of its legal protection period[4].
Scope of the Invention
Description
The patent describes the use of quinolone carboxylic acid formulations for treating ocular and periocular infections. These formulations are designed to be effective against a range of bacterial infections, leveraging the antimicrobial properties of quinolone carboxylic acids[4].
Key Components
- Active Ingredients: The patent focuses on quinolone carboxylic acids, which are known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
- Formulations: The invention includes various formulations such as solutions, suspensions, and ointments, which can be tailored for different modes of administration (e.g., topical, intravitreal).
- Optical Isomers: The patent mentions the use of optical isomers (R and S) of the quinolone carboxylic acids, either separately or in combination, including racemates[4].
Claims
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Independent Claims: These claims define the broadest scope of the invention, such as the composition of matter claims for the quinolone carboxylic acid formulations.
- Dependent Claims: These claims narrow down the scope by specifying particular aspects of the formulations, such as the use of specific carriers or inert additives[4].
Claim Examples
- Claim 1: A composition comprising a quinolone carboxylic acid and a carrier suitable for ocular administration.
- Claim 5: The composition of claim 1, wherein the quinolone carboxylic acid is selected from a group of specified compounds[4].
Patent Landscape
Classification
The patent is classified under several International Patent Classification (IPC) categories, including:
- A61K47/00: Medicinal preparations characterized by the non-active ingredients used.
- A61K47/30: Macromolecular organic or inorganic compounds.
- A61K47/36: Polysaccharides; Derivatives thereof[4].
Related Patents
Other patents in the same field include those related to quinolone carboxylic acids and their derivatives, such as US20100029936A1, which describes methods of making and using quinolone carboxylic acids and their derivatives[2].
Global Patent Family
Using tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO, one can identify related patent applications filed in other jurisdictions. This helps in understanding the global protection and status of similar inventions[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
To conduct a thorough analysis, one can use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, which provides enhanced access to prior art and allows for a more comprehensive search of patent databases[1].
International Databases
Databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can be used to search for similar patents filed internationally[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide insights into the scope and trends of patent claims, including those related to pharmaceutical inventions. This dataset can help in understanding the broader patent landscape and the evolution of patent claims over time[3].
Practical Applications
Treatment of Ocular Infections
The quinolone carboxylic acid compositions described in the patent have practical applications in treating ocular and periocular infections, offering a potent antimicrobial solution for these conditions.
Formulation Development
The patent's focus on different formulations (e.g., solutions, suspensions) provides a basis for further development and customization of these treatments to suit various clinical needs.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers quinolone carboxylic acid formulations for treating ocular and periocular infections.
- Claims: The patent includes both independent and dependent claims defining the composition and use of these formulations.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of pharmaceutical patents, with classifications under A61K and related patents in the field.
- Tools and Resources: Utilizing USPTO and international patent databases is crucial for a comprehensive analysis.
- Practical Applications: The patent has significant implications for the treatment of ocular infections and the development of antimicrobial formulations.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of United States Patent 6,699,492?
A: The primary focus is on quinolone carboxylic acid compositions and their use in treating ocular and periocular infections.
Q: What are the key components of the formulations described in the patent?
A: The key components include quinolone carboxylic acids, carriers, and inert additives, with options for using optical isomers.
Q: How can one search for related patents internationally?
A: Using databases such as those provided by the EPO, JPO, and WIPO, as well as the USPTO's Global Dossier service.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the scope and claims of this patent?
A: The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Patent Claims Research Dataset, and international patent databases.
Q: What is the current legal status of the patent?
A: The patent has expired, marking the end of its legal protection period.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US20100029936A1: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20100029936A1/en
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US6699492B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6699492B2/en