Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,916,485
Introduction
United States Patent 6,916,485, titled "Prolonged release bioadhesive therapeutic systems," is a patent that covers a specific type of therapeutic system designed for prolonged release of active principles. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
What is a Patent?
Before diving into the specifics of US Patent 6,916,485, it is essential to understand what a patent is. A patent gives its owner the exclusive right to make, use, import, sell, or offer for sale the invention covered by the patent[1].
Parts of a Patent
A patent consists of several key components:
- Specification: This is a textual description of the invention, which must adequately describe the invention and enable a person skilled in the relevant technology to make and use it[1].
- Claims: These are numbered paragraphs that set forth what the inventor regards as their invention. The claims define the scope of the patent right and form the legal boundaries of the patent owner’s exclusive rights[1].
- Drawings: These illustrate various aspects of the invention and are often included to help understand the invention better[1].
Scope of US Patent 6,916,485
Invention Overview
The patent describes a prolonged release bioadhesive mucosal therapeutic system. This system contains at least one active principle and is designed to adhere to mucosal surfaces, providing a prolonged release of the therapeutic agent[5].
Key Components
- Bioadhesive Properties: The system is bioadhesive, meaning it adheres to biological tissues, specifically mucosal surfaces.
- Prolonged Release: The therapeutic system is engineered to release the active principle over an extended period.
- Active Principle: The system contains at least one active therapeutic agent.
Claims Analysis
The claims of a patent are crucial as they define the scope of the invention and the rights granted to the patent owner.
Independent Claims
Independent claims are those that stand alone and do not depend on other claims. For US Patent 6,916,485, the independent claims would typically describe the core aspects of the invention, such as the composition of the bioadhesive therapeutic system and its method of use.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional details or limitations. These claims might specify particular types of active principles, the formulation of the bioadhesive, or specific methods of application.
Patent Requirements
For a patent to be valid, it must meet several requirements:
- Patentable Subject Matter: The invention must fall within statutorily defined categories of patent-eligible subject matter[1].
- Definiteness: The patent claims must be sufficiently clear and definite[1].
- Written Description: The specification must adequately describe the invention[1].
- Enablement: The specification must enable a person skilled in the field to make and use the invention[1].
- Novelty: The invention must be new and not the same as something known in the prior art[1].
- Nonobviousness: The invention must not be an obvious extension of the prior art[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
To understand the broader patent landscape, one would need to look at related patents and applications. Tools like the USPTO's Global Dossier can be used to see the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices[4].
Competitors and Gaps
Patent analytics can help identify which patents and claims are actively protecting similar intellectual property and where gaps or opportunities exist. For example, a Claim Coverage Matrix can show which patents and claims are protecting similar technology and highlight areas where coverage is lacking[3].
Enforcement and Litigation
Patent rights are enforced through various mechanisms, including litigation in federal district courts and before the International Trade Commission (ITC). Issues such as direct infringement, infringement under the doctrine of equivalents, induced infringement, and contributory infringement are common in patent litigation[1].
Expiration and Maintenance
The patent term for US Patent 6,916,485, like other patents filed after June 8, 1995, is 20 years from the effective filing date. Patents can expire if maintenance fees are not paid or if they are invalidated through post-grant review processes such as ex parte reexamination, post-grant review, inter partes review, or covered business method review[1][2].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: US Patent 6,916,485 covers a prolonged release bioadhesive therapeutic system with specific components and functions.
- Claims: The claims define the legal boundaries of the invention, including independent and dependent claims.
- Patent Requirements: The patent must meet requirements such as patentable subject matter, definiteness, written description, enablement, novelty, and nonobviousness.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding related patents and applications is crucial for identifying competitors and gaps in coverage.
- Enforcement: Patent rights are enforced through litigation and other legal mechanisms.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the bioadhesive therapeutic system described in US Patent 6,916,485?
The bioadhesive therapeutic system is designed to adhere to mucosal surfaces and provide a prolonged release of the active therapeutic agent.
How long does a patent like US Patent 6,916,485 last?
The patent term is 20 years from the effective filing date.
What are the key components of a patent?
A patent includes a specification, claims, and drawings.
How are patent rights enforced?
Patent rights are enforced through litigation in federal district courts and before the International Trade Commission (ITC), among other mechanisms.
What is the significance of the claims in a patent?
The claims define the scope of the invention and the legal boundaries of the patent owner’s exclusive rights.
Sources
- Congressional Research Service, "Patent Law: A Handbook for Congress," September 16, 2020.
- United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, "Hyatt v. United States Patent and Trademark Office," September 8, 2022.
- Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner, "Patent Analytics," accessed December 20, 2024.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office, "Search for patents," October 18, 2018.
- Google Patents, "US6916485B2 - Prolonged release bioadhesive therapeutic systems," accessed December 20, 2024.
