Details for Patent: 7,799,336

Which drugs does patent 7,799,336 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 7,799,336 protects DURYSTA and is included in one NDA.

This patent has eighty-two patent family members in twenty-three countries.

Summary for Patent: 7,799,336

Title:	Hypotensive lipid-containing biodegradable intraocular implants and related methods
Abstract:	Biocompatible intraocular implants include a prostamide component and a biodegradable polymer that is effective in facilitating release of the prostamide component into an eye for an extended period of time. The prostamide component may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat or reduce a at least one symptom of an ocular condition, such as glaucoma.
Inventor(s):	Hughes; Patrick M. (Alsio Viejo, CA)
Assignee:	Allergan, Inc. (Irvine, CA)
Application Number:	10/837,260
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Compound; Device;

Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 7,799,336

Introduction

United States Patent 7,799,336, like any other patent, is a complex document that outlines the exclusive rights granted to the inventor for a specific invention. To analyze this patent, we need to delve into its claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape it operates within.

Patent Overview

Patent Number and Title

• The patent in question is U.S. Patent 7,799,336. While the specific title is not provided here, it is crucial to identify the title to understand the general subject matter of the invention.

Inventor and Assignee

• Knowing the inventor and the assignee (the entity to which the patent rights are assigned) is important. This information can be found in the patent document and often provides insights into the background and potential applications of the invention[4].

Claims Analysis

Independent and Dependent Claims

• Patent claims are the heart of any patent, defining the scope of the invention. Independent claims stand alone and define the invention broadly, while dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide more specific details. The number and length of these claims can indicate the breadth and complexity of the patent[3].

Claim Language and Scope

• The language used in the claims is critical. Narrower claims with specific details are generally more defensible and clearer in their scope, whereas broader claims may face challenges in terms of validity and enforceability. The metrics of independent claim length and count can be used to measure patent scope and quality[3].

Patent Scope

Breadth and Clarity

• The scope of a patent determines what is protected and what is not. Broader patents may cover a wider range of applications but are more likely to face litigation and validity challenges. Narrower patents, while more specific, may offer clearer protection but limit the inventor's exclusive rights to a smaller area[3].

Examination Process

• The patent examination process often narrows the scope of patent claims. Longer examination durations tend to result in narrower claims, which can increase the likelihood of patent grant and reduce the time to grant[3].

Patent Landscape

Technological Field

• Understanding the technological field in which the patent operates is essential. Patents are classified under specific technology areas, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemistry. This classification helps in analyzing trends and comparing the patent with others in the same field[1].

Industry Affiliation

• The industry affiliation of the inventors and assignees can provide insights into the practical applications and market potential of the invention. For instance, patents in the computer and electronics manufacturing industry are often associated with high R&D performance and significant technological advancements[1].

Global and Comparative Trends

International Patent Classification

• Patents are classified under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) classification system, which includes 35 technical fields. This classification allows for international comparisons and helps in understanding the global patent landscape[1].

Geographic Distribution

• Patents can be allocated geographically based on inventorship information. This helps in analyzing the regional focus of innovation and the distribution of patenting activities across different countries[1].

Litigation and Enforcement

Patent Infringement

• Patents can be subject to litigation, especially if they are broad or if there are disputes over their validity. The case of Contour IP Holding LLC v. GoPro, Inc. illustrates how patent claims can be challenged in court, with judges applying tests like the "Alice" test to determine patent eligibility[2].

Tools and Resources for Analysis

USPTO Search Facilities

• The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides several tools and resources for searching and analyzing patents. The Public Search Facility, Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), and the Global Dossier service are invaluable for accessing patent documentation and analyzing patent families[4].

Common Citation Document (CCD)

• The CCD application consolidates prior art citations from multiple offices, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the patent's novelty and non-obviousness[4].

Key Takeaways

• Claims Analysis: The number, length, and specificity of claims are crucial in determining the patent's scope and validity.
• Patent Scope: Narrower claims are generally clearer and more defensible, while broader claims may face more challenges.
• Technological Field: Understanding the technological classification helps in analyzing trends and comparing with other patents in the same field.
• Industry Affiliation: The industry background of inventors and assignees can indicate practical applications and market potential.
• Global Trends: International classification and geographic distribution provide insights into global innovation patterns.
• Litigation: Patents can be subject to litigation, and understanding the legal framework is essential for enforcement.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of independent and dependent claims in a patent?

   • Independent claims define the invention broadly, while dependent claims provide more specific details, building upon the independent claims.

2. How does the patent examination process affect the scope of patent claims?

   • The examination process often narrows the scope of patent claims, with longer durations resulting in narrower claims that are more likely to be granted quickly.

3. What is the role of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) classification in patent analysis?

   • WIPO classification allows for international comparisons by categorizing patents into 35 technical fields, facilitating the analysis of trends and global innovation patterns.

4. What tools does the USPTO provide for searching and analyzing patents?

   • The USPTO offers the Public Search Facility, PTRCs, Global Dossier service, and the Common Citation Document (CCD) application to access and analyze patent documentation.

5. How does the "Alice" test impact patent eligibility?

   • The "Alice" test is a two-step process to determine if patent claims are directed to abstract ideas, which are not patentable. It assesses whether the claims include elements that transform them into a patent-eligible application[2].

Sources

1. National Science Foundation. Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends. January 15, 2020.
2. United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. CONTOUR IP HOLDING LLC v. GOPRO, INC. September 9, 2024.
3. SSRN. Patent Claims and Patent Scope. September 29, 2016.
4. United States Patent and Trademark Office. Search for patents. October 18, 2018.

Drugs Protected by US Patent 7,799,336

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate
Abbvie	DURYSTA	bimatoprost	IMPLANT;OPHTHALMIC	211911-001	Mar 4, 2020		RX	Yes	Yes	7,799,336		Y

International Family Members for US Patent 7,799,336

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
Australia	2005244203
Australia	2007223057
Australia	2011239642
Austria	E397934
Brazil	112012026535