Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 7,078,058
Introduction
United States Patent 7,078,058, titled "Foamable Pharmaceutical Compositions and Uses Thereof," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Patent Title and Number
- Title: Foamable Pharmaceutical Compositions and Uses Thereof
- Number: 7,078,058
- Grant Date: October 11, 2006
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by several individuals and assigned to Connetics Corporation, a company known for its dermatological treatments[2].
Scope of the Patent
The patent covers foamable pharmaceutical compositions, specifically those containing steroids, designed for treating scalp psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Key Components
- Foamable Base: The patent describes a foamable base that includes a combination of ingredients such as oils, emollients, and surfactants.
- Active Ingredients: The primary active ingredient is a steroid, which is incorporated into the foamable base to create a topical treatment.
- Therapeutic Uses: The compositions are intended for the treatment of scalp psoriasis and other dermatological conditions.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the foamable pharmaceutical composition comprising a steroid and a foamable base.
- Claim 5 outlines the method of treating scalp psoriasis using the foamable composition.
Dependent Claims
- These claims further specify the types of steroids, the composition of the foamable base, and the methods of application.
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is crucial for assessing the patent's position within the broader intellectual property ecosystem.
Related Patents
- Patent Family: The patent is part of a family of patents related to foamable pharmaceutical compositions. For example, U.S. Patent 6,126,920 also pertains to steroid-containing foamable compositions[2].
- Global Dossier: Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can view the patent family for this specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices[1].
Competitors and Litigation
- Litigation History: The patent has been involved in several litigation cases, notably against Pentech Pharmaceuticals, which filed Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) for generic versions of the patented drugs[2].
- Expert Testimony: Experts in organic chemistry and drug formulation, such as Drs. Alexander Klibanov, Robert S. Langer, and Daniel G. Anderson, have been involved in these cases to testify about infringement and validity[2].
Search and Analysis Tools
Several tools and resources are available for searching and analyzing patents like 7,078,058.
USPTO Resources
- Patent Public Search: This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and is useful for conducting comprehensive patent searches[1].
- Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs): These centers offer local search resources and training in patent search techniques[1].
International Resources
- European Patent Office (EPO): The esp@cenet database provides access to Europe's patent databases and includes machine translations for some languages[1].
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): The PATENTSCOPE® Search Service offers full-text search of published international patent applications and machine translations for some documents[1].
Economic and Research Implications
The Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO can offer insights into the scope and claims of patents like 7,078,058.
Patent Scope Measurements
- The dataset includes detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and applications, which can be used to analyze the patent scope and dependency relationships between claims[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 7,078,058 is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for the treatment of scalp psoriasis. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for both legal and business strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers foamable pharmaceutical compositions containing steroids for treating scalp psoriasis.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims defining the composition and method of treatment.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a family of related patents and has been involved in litigation cases.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Various tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and international databases are available for searching and analyzing patents.
- Economic Implications: The Patent Claims Research Dataset provides valuable insights into patent scope and claims.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 7,078,058?
A: The patent covers foamable pharmaceutical compositions containing steroids for treating scalp psoriasis.
Q: Who are the inventors and assignees of the patent?
A: The patent was invented by several individuals and assigned to Connetics Corporation.
Q: What are the key components of the foamable pharmaceutical composition described in the patent?
A: The composition includes a foamable base and a steroid as the active ingredient.
Q: Has the patent been involved in any litigation?
A: Yes, the patent has been involved in several litigation cases, notably against Pentech Pharmaceuticals.
Q: What tools can be used to search and analyze patents like 7,078,058?
A: Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international databases like the EPO's esp@cenet and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE® Search Service can be used.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN .... Retrieved from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ilnd-1_08-cv-01083/pdf/USCOURTS-ilnd-1_08-cv-01083-0.pdf
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
