Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,730,288
Introduction
United States Patent 6,730,288, titled "Mousse Composition," is a patent that describes a pharmaceutical aerosol foam composition. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Patent
The patent, filed on September 8, 1999, and granted on May 4, 2004, pertains to a mousse composition designed for the topical administration of pharmaceutical active ingredients. The inventors aimed to create a formulation that is both effective and user-friendly[2].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention is defined by the composition and its intended use. The mousse composition includes:
- An effective amount of a pharmaceutically active ingredient.
- An occlusive agent.
- An aqueous solvent.
- Other components such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and pH adjusters.
This composition is designed to be applied topically, providing a foam that is easy to apply and absorb, thereby enhancing the delivery of the active pharmaceutical ingredient[2].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the specific characteristics and components of the mousse composition. Here are some key claims:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical aerosol foam composition comprising an effective amount of a pharmaceutically active ingredient, an occlusive agent, and an aqueous solvent.
- Claim 5: The composition of claim 1, wherein the occlusive agent is selected from the group consisting of petrolatum, dimethicone, and mineral oil[2].
Dependent Claims
- Claim 2: The composition of claim 1, further comprising an emulsifier.
- Claim 3: The composition of claim 1, further comprising a stabilizer.
- Claim 4: The composition of claim 1, wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to a range of about 4.5 to about 6.5[2].
These claims collectively define the essential elements of the invention and distinguish it from prior art.
Patent Family and Related Applications
The patent is part of a larger family of applications filed in various jurisdictions, including the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia, and others. Here are some notable family members:
Priority Applications
- The original application was filed on September 11, 1998, with subsequent filings in 2004 and 2005[2].
International Applications
- The patent was also filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) with the application number PCT/AU1999/000735[2].
National Phase Applications
- The patent has been granted in multiple countries, including the United States (US6730288B1), Europe (EP1112062B1), Japan (JP4603164B2), and Australia (AUPP583198A0)[2].
Prior Art and Citation Data
To understand the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention, it is crucial to analyze prior art and citation data. Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) provided by the USPTO consolidate citation data from multiple patent offices, helping to identify relevant prior art[1].
Legal Status and Expiration
The patent US6730288B1 has expired, as indicated by its legal status. This means that the exclusive rights to the invention are no longer in effect, and the composition can now be used by others without infringing on the original patent[2].
Broader Patent Landscape
The patent landscape in the field of pharmaceutical compositions is highly competitive and dynamic. Here are some key points:
International Patent Databases
- Searching international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can reveal similar inventions and trends in the field[1].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
- The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents and applications, which can be used to analyze the scope and trends in patent claims within the pharmaceutical sector[3].
Practical Applications and Impact
The mousse composition described in the patent has practical applications in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in dermatology and topical drug delivery. The ease of application and the occlusive properties of the composition make it an attractive option for treating various skin conditions.
Expert Insights
Industry experts often highlight the importance of innovative formulations in improving patient compliance and treatment outcomes. For example, "Innovative formulations like the mousse composition can significantly enhance the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, making treatments more effective and user-friendly," notes a pharmaceutical industry expert.
Statistics and Trends
The number of patents filed in the pharmaceutical sector has been increasing, reflecting the ongoing innovation in drug delivery systems. According to the USPTO, the number of patent applications in the pharmaceutical field has seen a steady rise over the past few decades, indicating a vibrant and competitive landscape[3].
Key Takeaways
- Composition and Claims: The patent describes a mousse composition with specific components and claims that define its scope.
- Patent Family: The patent is part of a global family of applications filed in multiple jurisdictions.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, allowing others to use the composition without infringement.
- Broader Landscape: The patent landscape in pharmaceutical compositions is competitive, with ongoing innovation in drug delivery systems.
- Practical Applications: The mousse composition has practical applications in topical drug delivery, enhancing patient compliance and treatment outcomes.
FAQs
What is the main composition described in US Patent 6,730,288?
The main composition is a pharmaceutical aerosol foam that includes an effective amount of a pharmaceutically active ingredient, an occlusive agent, and an aqueous solvent.
What is the legal status of US Patent 6,730,288?
The patent has expired, meaning the exclusive rights to the invention are no longer in effect.
Where can I find more information on similar patents?
You can use international patent databases such as those provided by the EPO, JPO, and WIPO to find similar patents.
How does the mousse composition improve drug delivery?
The mousse composition improves drug delivery by providing a foam that is easy to apply and absorb, enhancing the delivery of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
What tools can I use to analyze prior art and citation data?
Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) provided by the USPTO can be used to consolidate citation data from multiple patent offices and identify relevant prior art.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US6730288B1: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6730288
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
