Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,746,692
Introduction to Patent 6,746,692
United States Patent 6,746,692, titled "Antibiotic Product, Use and Formulation Thereof," was granted on November 22, 2001, to inventors associated with Shionogi Inc. This patent is part of a broader landscape of pharmaceutical patents, particularly those related to antibiotic formulations.
Scope of the Patent
Invention Overview
The patent describes an antibiotic product and its formulation, focusing on the combination of specific antibiotic compounds. The invention is aimed at improving the efficacy and stability of antibiotic treatments, particularly for infections caused by resistant bacterial pathogens[1].
Key Components
- The patent details the preparation and formulation of sustained-release coating materials applied to immediate-release antibiotic cores.
- It specifies the use of particular antibiotic compounds, such as amoxicillin and clavulanate, which are commonly used in treatments like Augmentin XR[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically cover:
- The composition of the antibiotic product, including the specific ratios and types of antibiotic compounds.
- The method of preparing the sustained-release coating.
- The use of the antibiotic product for treating bacterial infections.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the independent claims, such as:
- The specific dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules).
- The method of administration (e.g., oral).
- The types of bacterial infections the product is intended to treat[1].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Defining Scope and Objectives
To analyze the patent landscape around US 6,746,692, one must first define the scope and objectives. This involves identifying the specific technology domain (in this case, antibiotic formulations) and the goals of the analysis, such as understanding market opportunities, competitor activity, and R&D directions[3].
Conducting a Patent Search
A thorough search of patent databases such as Google Patents, USPTO, and EPO is necessary to gather relevant patents. This search would include patents related to antibiotic formulations, sustained-release technologies, and specific antibiotic compounds like amoxicillin and clavulanate[3].
Analyzing Patent Data
The gathered patent data needs to be sorted and categorized based on criteria such as ownership, technology type, and geographical location. This helps in identifying key players in the field and understanding the distribution of patent holdings[3].
Visualizing the Patent Landscape
Tools like patent mapping, bubble charts, or heat maps are used to create a visual representation of the patent data. This visualization helps in identifying clusters of innovation, key patent holders, and areas of intense patent activity[3].
Evaluating Patent Strength
The validity and enforceability of patents, including US 6,746,692, are assessed by evaluating factors such as claims, prior art, and legal status. This step is crucial for understanding the competitive landscape and potential risks or opportunities[3].
Identifying Key Players
Major players in the antibiotic formulation market, such as Shionogi Inc., Pfizer, and other pharmaceutical companies, are identified through the analysis. This helps in understanding their patent portfolios and strategic positions in the market[3].
Evaluating Market Opportunities
Market trends and the potential for new products or technologies are analyzed based on the patent landscape. This includes assessing the expiration dates of key patents, such as those related to Augmentin XR, which have expired as of 2020[4].
Market and Competitive Analysis
Market Trends
The patent landscape analysis reveals market trends such as the increasing demand for effective treatments against resistant bacterial pathogens. This trend drives innovation in antibiotic formulations and delivery systems[3].
Competitor Activity
Competitors in the market are actively developing new formulations and delivery systems to stay ahead. For example, the expiration of patents related to Augmentin XR has opened up opportunities for generic and innovative formulations[4].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: US 6,746,692 covers specific antibiotic formulations and sustained-release technologies.
- Claims: The patent includes claims on composition, preparation methods, and use for treating bacterial infections.
- Patent Landscape: The analysis involves defining scope, conducting patent searches, analyzing data, visualizing the landscape, evaluating patent strength, identifying key players, and evaluating market opportunities.
- Market Trends: Increasing demand for effective antibiotic treatments drives innovation.
- Competitor Activity: Expiration of key patents opens up market opportunities for new and generic formulations.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 6,746,692?
A: The main focus is on the formulation and use of specific antibiotic compounds, particularly those involving sustained-release technologies.
Q: Who are the key players in the antibiotic formulation market?
A: Key players include Shionogi Inc., Pfizer, and other major pharmaceutical companies involved in antibiotic research and development.
Q: What is the significance of patent expiration in the antibiotic market?
A: Patent expiration, such as that of Augmentin XR patents, opens up market opportunities for generic and innovative formulations.
Q: How is the patent landscape analysis conducted?
A: It involves defining scope, conducting patent searches, analyzing data, visualizing the landscape, evaluating patent strength, identifying key players, and evaluating market opportunities.
Q: What are the market trends driving innovation in antibiotic formulations?
A: The increasing demand for effective treatments against resistant bacterial pathogens is a key driver of innovation in this field.
Sources
- United States Patent and Trademark Office - US 8,062,672 B2.
- Unified Patents Portal - US-4301149-A.
- KNOTTY IP - Patent Landscape Analysis.
- Pharsight - Augmentin Xr patent expiration.
