Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,975,902: A Detailed Analysis
Introduction to Patent 6,975,902
United States Patent 6,975,902, titled "Reservoir and a series of related reservoirs for use in an electrotransport drug delivery device and devices comprised thereof," is a significant patent in the field of medical technology. This patent, granted to a innovator in the healthcare sector, outlines a novel approach to drug delivery using electrotransport technology.
Background on Electrotransport Drug Delivery
Electrotransport drug delivery is a method that uses electrical currents to enhance the delivery of drugs through the skin. This technique is particularly useful for delivering large molecules that are difficult to administer through traditional methods. The technology has seen significant advancements, and patents like 6,975,902 play a crucial role in protecting these innovations.
Scope of the Patent
Overview of the Invention
The patent describes a reservoir system designed for use in electrotransport drug delivery devices. This system includes multiple reservoirs that can be used to deliver different drugs or the same drug at varying concentrations. The invention is aimed at improving the efficiency and flexibility of drug delivery, allowing for more precise and controlled administration of therapeutic agents[5].
Key Components
- Reservoir Design: The patent details the design of the reservoirs, including their structure and the materials used. The reservoirs are designed to be compatible with the electrotransport device, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
- Drug Delivery Mechanism: The mechanism by which the drugs are delivered through the skin using electrical currents is a critical aspect of the patent. It explains how the reservoirs work in conjunction with the electrotransport device to facilitate drug delivery.
- Multiple Reservoirs: The patent highlights the use of multiple reservoirs, which allows for the delivery of different drugs or varying concentrations of the same drug. This feature enhances the versatility of the device, making it suitable for a wide range of therapeutic applications.
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims are crucial as they outline what is considered novel and non-obvious about the invention.
- Claim 1: This claim typically defines the broadest scope of the invention, describing the reservoir system and its components.
- Claim 2-5: These claims provide more detailed descriptions of the reservoirs, including their design, materials, and how they interact with the electrotransport device.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further narrow down the scope of the invention by adding additional features or limitations to the independent claims.
- Claim 6-10: These claims might specify particular materials used in the reservoirs, specific dimensions, or other detailed aspects of the invention.
Patent Landscape
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to look at international patent databases. Tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO allow users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in identifying similar patents or prior art globally[1].
Searchable Databases
Other international patent offices, such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), provide searchable databases that can be used to find similar patents. For example, the EPO's esp@cenet network and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE service offer comprehensive search capabilities[1].
Economic and Technological Trends
Patent Activity in the US
The USPTO's data on patent activity provides valuable insights into technological trends. In 2018, the USPTO awarded 309,000 utility patents, with a significant portion related to electrical and mechanical engineering. This indicates a strong focus on technological innovations, including those in medical technology[4].
Technology Areas and Patent Trends
The classification of patent data into technology areas helps in analyzing trends. For instance, the increase in electrical engineering patents, which includes areas like computer technology and digital communication, reflects the growing importance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in various fields, including healthcare[4].
Practical Applications and Impact
Clinical Use
The electrotransport drug delivery system described in the patent has significant clinical applications. It can be used to deliver drugs for various conditions, such as chronic pain, diabetes, and other diseases where traditional delivery methods are ineffective.
Market Potential
The market potential for such a device is substantial, given the growing need for innovative drug delivery systems. Companies investing in this technology can gain a competitive edge by offering more efficient and patient-friendly solutions.
Challenges and Future Directions
Regulatory Compliance
Any new medical device must comply with stringent regulatory requirements. Ensuring that the device meets FDA standards and other international regulations is crucial for its commercial success.
Continuous Innovation
The field of medical technology is rapidly evolving. Continuous innovation and improvement in the design and functionality of the reservoir system and the electrotransport device are necessary to stay ahead in the market.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Design: The patent outlines a novel reservoir system for electrotransport drug delivery, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of drug administration.
- Global Patent Landscape: Understanding the global patent landscape through tools like the Global Dossier and international patent databases is essential for identifying prior art and similar patents.
- Technological Trends: The patent is part of a broader trend in technological innovation, particularly in electrical and mechanical engineering.
- Clinical Applications: The device has significant clinical applications, offering a new approach to drug delivery for various medical conditions.
- Market Potential: The market potential for this technology is substantial, with opportunities for companies to gain a competitive edge.
FAQs
What is the main innovation described in Patent 6,975,902?
The main innovation is a reservoir system designed for use in electrotransport drug delivery devices, allowing for the delivery of different drugs or varying concentrations of the same drug.
How does the electrotransport drug delivery system work?
The system uses electrical currents to enhance the delivery of drugs through the skin, making it suitable for large molecules that are difficult to administer through traditional methods.
What are the key components of the reservoir system?
The key components include the design of the reservoirs, the materials used, and the mechanism by which the drugs are delivered through the skin using electrical currents.
How can I search for similar patents globally?
You can use tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO and searchable databases from international patent offices such as the EPO and WIPO.
What are the potential clinical applications of this device?
The device can be used to deliver drugs for various conditions, such as chronic pain and diabetes, where traditional delivery methods are ineffective.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov: https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends: https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20204/invention-u-s-and-comparative-global-trends
- Drugs covered by patent 6,975,902. Claims, international patent ...: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/6975902
