Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,844,008
Introduction
United States Patent 6,844,008, titled "Tablet composition," is a patent that describes a specific formulation for tablets, particularly focusing on the additives and ingredients used to enhance the tablet's properties. Here, we will delve into the details of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape it operates within.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent in question is US6844008B2, issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[5].
Prior Art and Background
The patent builds upon existing knowledge in the field of pharmaceutical formulations, specifically tablet compositions. It acknowledges prior art related to tablet manufacturing, including the use of various fillers, disintegrants, and other additives.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects:
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Claim 1: This claim describes the tablet composition, including the primary ingredients such as crystalline cellulose, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, starch, and other additives like light anhydrous silicic acid and titanium oxide. The claim specifies the proportions and roles of these ingredients in enhancing the tablet's stability, disintegration, and overall performance[5].
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Dependent Claims: These claims further detail specific aspects of the tablet composition, such as the types of disintegrants used (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose), the particle size of the ingredients, and the manufacturing process. These claims narrow down the scope to specific embodiments of the invention.
Claim Construction
The claims are constructed to ensure that the patent covers a specific and novel tablet composition while avoiding overly broad language that might encroach on prior art. For instance, the specification of particular fillers and their proportions helps to differentiate this invention from existing tablet formulations.
Scope of the Invention
Ingredients and Their Roles
- Fillers: The patent highlights the use of crystalline cellulose, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, and starch as primary fillers. These ingredients contribute to the tablet's bulk and stability.
- Disintegrants: Carboxymethyl cellulose is mentioned as a disintegrant, which helps the tablet to break down in the body.
- Other Additives: Light anhydrous silicic acid and titanium oxide are included to enhance the tablet's physical properties, such as flowability and color[5].
Manufacturing Process
The patent also describes the process of manufacturing these tablets, including the steps of mixing, granulating, and compressing the ingredients. This process ensures that the final product meets the desired specifications in terms of hardness, disintegration time, and other critical parameters.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Prior Art
The patent landscape for tablet compositions is extensive, with numerous patents covering various aspects of tablet formulation and manufacturing. US6844008B2 distinguishes itself through its specific combination of ingredients and their proportions, as well as the detailed manufacturing process.
Current Trends and Developments
In the broader context, the pharmaceutical industry is continually evolving, with new technologies and ingredients being introduced. For example, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing pharmaceutical formulations is becoming more prevalent, as seen in recent USPTO guidance updates on AI-related inventions[1].
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Patent Eligibility
The patent's eligibility is determined based on the criteria set by the USPTO, including the integration of judicial exceptions into practical applications. In the case of US6844008B2, the specific application of the ingredients and the manufacturing process ensure that the claims are patent-eligible by providing a concrete technological improvement[1].
Expiration and Licensing
The patent has expired, which means that the technology described is now in the public domain. This allows other manufacturers to use the described tablet composition without infringing on the original patent.
Practical Applications and Benefits
Improved Tablet Properties
The tablet composition described in the patent offers several practical benefits, including improved stability, faster disintegration, and better flowability. These properties are crucial for ensuring the efficacy and patient compliance of pharmaceutical tablets.
Cost and Efficiency
The use of specific fillers and additives can also impact the cost and efficiency of the manufacturing process. For instance, the choice of crystalline cellulose as a filler can be more cost-effective than other alternatives while maintaining the desired tablet properties.
Conclusion
United States Patent 6,844,008 provides a detailed description of a novel tablet composition and its manufacturing process. The patent's claims are carefully constructed to cover a specific and innovative formulation, distinguishing it from prior art. Understanding the scope and claims of this patent is essential for pharmaceutical manufacturers looking to develop or improve their tablet formulations.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Ingredients: The patent specifies a unique combination of fillers, disintegrants, and other additives.
- Manufacturing Process: The detailed process ensures the final product meets desired specifications.
- Patent Landscape: The patent distinguishes itself within a crowded landscape of tablet formulations.
- Legal Considerations: The patent's eligibility is based on integrating judicial exceptions into practical applications.
- Practical Benefits: The composition offers improved stability, disintegration, and flowability.
FAQs
What are the primary ingredients in the tablet composition described in US6844008B2?
The primary ingredients include crystalline cellulose, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, starch, light anhydrous silicic acid, and titanium oxide.
Why is the manufacturing process important in this patent?
The manufacturing process is crucial as it ensures the final product meets the desired specifications in terms of hardness, disintegration time, and other critical parameters.
Is the patent still in force?
No, the patent has expired, meaning the technology described is now in the public domain.
How does this patent differentiate itself from prior art?
The patent differentiates itself through its specific combination of ingredients and their proportions, as well as the detailed manufacturing process.
What are the practical benefits of the tablet composition described in the patent?
The composition offers improved stability, faster disintegration, and better flowability, which are crucial for ensuring the efficacy and patient compliance of pharmaceutical tablets.
Sources
- Understanding the 2024 USPTO Guidance Update on AI Patent - Mintz
- U.S. Patent Small Claims Court - ACUS
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Search for patents - USPTO
- US6844008B2 - Tablet composition - Google Patents
