United States Patent 7,615,545 B2: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 7,615,545 B2, titled "Oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and diminish premenstrual symptomatology," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the area of women's health. This patent, assigned to Teva Pharmaceuticals, has been the subject of various legal and scientific analyses. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent describes a method involving the administration of specific combination oral contraceptive regimens, combined with an antidepressant, to prevent pregnancy and reduce premenstrual symptoms. This invention is aimed at addressing both contraceptive needs and the management of premenstrual symptomatology, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific methods, compositions, and uses of the invention. Here are the key aspects:
Claims
The patent includes several claims that detail the method of administering oral contraceptives in combination with antidepressants. These claims specify:
- The types of estrogen and progestin used.
- The dosage regimens.
- The administration schedule, including the number of consecutive days.
- The inclusion of antidepressants to alleviate premenstrual symptoms[4].
Method of Administration
The method involves administering a combination of estrogen and progestin over a specified period, followed by or concurrent with the administration of an antidepressant. This approach is designed to not only prevent pregnancy but also to mitigate symptoms associated with premenstrual disorders[4].
Patent Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
The claims are structured to cover various aspects of the invention, including the composition of the oral contraceptives, the dosage regimen, and the combination with antidepressants. For example:
- Claim 1 describes the method of administering a combination oral contraceptive regimen.
- Subsequent claims detail specific components, such as the types of estrogen and progestin, and the antidepressants used[4].
Dependency Between Claims
The claims are often dependent on each other, meaning that later claims build upon the earlier ones. This structure helps in narrowing down the scope of the invention and ensuring that all essential elements are covered.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites several prior art documents related to oral contraceptives and antidepressants. These citations indicate the existing knowledge in the field and how the current invention improves upon or differs from previous methods[4].
International Patent Family
To understand the global reach of this patent, it is essential to look at the patent family. Using tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO, one can see related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in identifying the broader international patent landscape and any potential challenges or opportunities in different jurisdictions[1].
Legal Challenges and Litigation
The patent has been involved in legal disputes, notably between Teva Pharmaceuticals and Watson Pharmaceuticals (now part of Teva). Watson challenged the validity of the patent, leading to a declaratory judgment action. This litigation highlights the importance of patent validity and infringement issues in the pharmaceutical industry[2][5].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
For conducting a thorough analysis, the USPTO provides several resources:
- Patent Public Search: This tool allows for advanced searches of prior art and related patents.
- Global Dossier: This service provides access to file histories and related applications from participating IP Offices.
- Common Citation Document (CCD): This tool consolidates citation data from multiple offices, helping to visualize the prior art landscape[1].
International Databases
Searching international patent databases, such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is crucial for understanding the global patent landscape. These databases offer machine translations and full-text searches, facilitating a comprehensive analysis[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including those related to pharmaceuticals. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and measurements of patent scope, offering insights into the strategic positioning of patents like U.S. Patent 7,615,545 B2[3].
Market Impact
The patent's impact on the market can be significant, especially in the highly competitive pharmaceutical industry. The ability to prevent pregnancy and alleviate premenstrual symptoms with a single regimen can influence market share and consumer preference.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers a specific method of administering oral contraceptives combined with antidepressants, with detailed claims outlining the components and regimen.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader international patent family and has been subject to legal challenges.
- Tools and Resources: Utilizing USPTO resources and international databases is essential for a thorough analysis.
- Economic Implications: The patent can have significant market impact and is part of larger research datasets that analyze patent scope and trends.
FAQs
What is the main invention described in U.S. Patent 7,615,545 B2?
The main invention is a method involving the administration of specific combination oral contraceptive regimens combined with an antidepressant to prevent pregnancy and reduce premenstrual symptoms.
How can one search for related patents and prior art?
Using tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD), as well as international databases such as those provided by the EPO, JPO, and WIPO.
What legal challenges has this patent faced?
The patent has been involved in litigation, notably between Teva Pharmaceuticals and Watson Pharmaceuticals, regarding its validity and infringement.
How does this patent impact the pharmaceutical market?
The patent can influence market share and consumer preference by offering a combined solution for contraception and premenstrual symptom management.
What resources are available for analyzing patent claims and scope?
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset and other economic research datasets provide detailed information on claims and patent scope, helping in strategic analysis.
Sources
- USPTO: "Search for patents - USPTO"
- Law360: "Watson Targets Teva's Patent For LoSeasonique"
- USPTO: "Patent Claims Research Dataset"
- Google Patents: "Oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and diminish premenstrual symptomatology"
- Patent Docs: "Case 3:10-cv-00115-LRH-VPC Document 1 Filed 02"
