United States Patent 6,740,341: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 6,740,341, titled "Taste masking rapid release coating system," was issued on May 25, 2004. This patent is significant in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of oral drug delivery systems. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent describes a novel coating system designed to mask the unpleasant taste of drugs, making them more palatable for patients, especially children, the elderly, and those with dysphagia. The system involves a core containing the drug, encased in a spacing layer and a taste masking layer, ensuring rapid release of the drug while effectively masking its taste[4].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention is broad and encompasses various aspects of pharmaceutical formulation:
- Drug Core: The invention can include any pharmaceutically active material, such as vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and other therapeutic agents.
- Spacing Layer: This layer separates the drug core from the taste masking layer, ensuring that the drug is released rapidly without immediate exposure to the taste buds.
- Taste Masking Layer: This layer is crucial for masking the unpleasant taste of the drug, making it more acceptable for oral administration.
- Dosage Forms: The invention includes various dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, lozenges, and other oral delivery systems[4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a core containing a drug, a spacing layer surrounding the core, and a taste masking layer surrounding the spacing layer.
- Claim 2: The composition of claim 1, wherein the drug is selected from the group consisting of vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements.
- Claim 3: The composition of claim 1, wherein the spacing layer is composed of a material that does not affect the taste masking properties of the taste masking layer.
- Claim 4: The composition of claim 1, wherein the taste masking layer is composed of a material that provides effective taste masking for the drug[4].
Detailed Analysis of Claims
Claim Construction
The claims are constructed to ensure that the invention is clearly defined and distinguishable from prior art. For example, Claim 1 specifies the core, spacing layer, and taste masking layer, which are the essential components of the invention.
Dependency Between Claims
The claims are interdependent, with subsequent claims building upon the previous ones. For instance, Claim 2 specifies the types of drugs that can be used, which is a subset of the broader definition in Claim 1.
Scope of Protection
The claims provide a broad scope of protection by covering various aspects of the invention, including different types of drugs, spacing layers, and taste masking layers. This ensures that any similar inventions that fall within the scope of these claims would be considered infringing.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent landscape for taste masking technologies was already quite developed by the time this patent was issued. However, the specific combination of a core, spacing layer, and taste masking layer as described in this patent was novel and non-obvious over the prior art[4].
International Patent Offices
Similar patents and applications can be found in other international patent offices. For example, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) have databases that include similar inventions related to taste masking and drug delivery systems[1].
Related Patents and Applications
There are several related patents and applications that deal with similar technologies. These include patents on other types of coating systems, drug delivery mechanisms, and formulations aimed at improving the palatability of pharmaceuticals.
Search Resources for Similar Patents
USPTO Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides several resources for searching patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs). These resources can be used to find similar patents and understand the broader patent landscape[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) are also valuable for searching international patents related to this technology[1].
Legal Status and Infringement
The patent has expired, which means that the invention is now in the public domain and can be freely used without infringing on the original patent. However, any modifications or improvements to the original invention could potentially be patented if they meet the criteria for novelty and non-obviousness[4].
Case Law and Litigation
There have been legal proceedings related to this patent, such as patent infringement claims. For instance, a case filed in 2011 involved claims under 28 U.S.C. ยงยง 1331, highlighting the importance of understanding the legal implications of patent ownership and infringement[5].
Conclusion
United States Patent 6,740,341 represents a significant innovation in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the area of taste masking and oral drug delivery. The detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides valuable insights for researchers, inventors, and legal professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Novel Coating System: The patent describes a novel coating system for masking the taste of drugs.
- Broad Scope: The invention encompasses various types of drugs and dosage forms.
- Expired Patent: The patent has expired, making the invention public domain.
- Legal Implications: Understanding the legal status and potential infringement is crucial.
- International Landscape: Similar patents and applications exist in other international patent offices.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main purpose of the taste masking rapid release coating system?
The main purpose is to mask the unpleasant taste of drugs, making them more palatable for patients.
Q2: What are the key components of the invention described in the patent?
The key components include a core containing the drug, a spacing layer, and a taste masking layer.
Q3: Has the patent expired?
Yes, the patent has expired, which means the invention is now in the public domain.
Q4: Where can I find similar patents and applications?
Similar patents and applications can be found using resources such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and international databases like those of the EPO and JPO.
Q5: Are there any legal proceedings related to this patent?
Yes, there have been legal proceedings, including patent infringement claims, related to this patent.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- US6740341B1 - Taste masking rapid release coating system: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6740341B1/en
- Patent and patent application Claims data: https://developer.uspto.gov/product/patent-and-patent-application-claims-data-stata-dta-and-ms-excel-csv
- US6740341B1 - Taste masking rapid release coating system: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6740341B1/en
- Case 1:10-cv-01077-MMB Document 44 Filed 05/26/11 Page 1 of ...: https://op.bna.com/atr.nsf/r?Open=csun-8hkqyj
