Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,221,778
Introduction
United States Patent 8,221,778, titled "Drug-containing implants and methods of use thereof," is a significant patent in the field of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. This patent, issued to innovators in the healthcare sector, outlines the design, composition, and application of drug-containing implants. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication and Filing Details
The patent was published on July 17, 2012, with the application number US11/183,232. It was granted on July 17, 2012, and is currently active, although its expiration date is a critical factor to consider for those interested in the technology[4].
Inventors and Assignees
Understanding the inventors and assignees is crucial for grasping the ownership and potential licensing or collaboration opportunities. However, specific details about the inventors and assignees are not provided in the sources, but they can be found in the full patent document.
Scope of the Invention
Drug-Containing Implants
The patent describes implants that contain a therapeutic drug and a polymer matrix, specifically polylactic acid (PLA) and optionally polyglycolic acid (PGA). These biodegradable polymers are designed to release the therapeutic drug over a period, providing a sustained delivery system[4].
Therapeutic Applications
The implants are intended for various therapeutic applications, including the treatment of conditions such as schizophrenia. The patent mentions specific drugs like risperidone and haloperidol, which are commonly used in psychiatric treatments[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes a series of independent and dependent claims that define the scope of the invention. Independent claims typically outline the broadest aspects of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding specific details.
- Independent Claims: These claims define the core elements of the drug-containing implants, such as the composition of the polymer matrix and the therapeutic drug.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims by specifying additional features, such as the method of manufacturing the implants, the release profile of the drug, and specific applications[4].
Key Claim Elements
- Polymer Composition: The claims specify that the implants contain a polymer comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and optionally polyglycolic acid (PGA)[4].
- Therapeutic Drug: The claims detail the inclusion of therapeutic drugs, such as risperidone and haloperidol, within the polymer matrix[4].
- Method of Use: The patent claims also cover the methods of using these implants, including the administration and the expected therapeutic outcomes[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Citations
The patent landscape includes prior art cited by the inventors and other patent offices. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, for instance, consolidates prior art citations from participating IP offices, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape[1].
Related Patents and Applications
Other patents and applications related to drug-containing implants can be found through databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE® Search Service. These resources help in identifying similar inventions and understanding the competitive landscape[1].
Global Patent Family
Using the Global Dossier service, one can view the patent family for this specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP offices. This service provides insights into the global protection and status of the invention[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
The USPTO offers several tools for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, the Public Search Facility, and the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs). These resources are invaluable for conducting thorough searches and understanding the patent landscape[1].
International Databases
International databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office, Japan Patent Office, and the World Intellectual Property Organization are essential for a global patent search. These databases often include machine translations, which can be particularly useful for non-English speaking countries[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 drug-containing implants. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and measurements of patent scope, offering insights into the economic and research implications of such patents[3].
Key Takeaways
- Drug-Containing Implants: The patent covers implants with a polymer matrix containing PLA and optionally PGA, designed for sustained drug delivery.
- Therapeutic Applications: The implants are intended for treating conditions like schizophrenia using drugs such as risperidone and haloperidol.
- Claims and Scope: The patent includes independent and dependent claims defining the composition, method of use, and therapeutic outcomes.
- Patent Landscape: The landscape includes prior art, related patents, and global patent family information accessible through various databases.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Utilize USPTO resources and international databases for comprehensive patent searches.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary composition of the drug-containing implants described in US Patent 8,221,778?
A: The primary composition includes a polymer matrix of polylactic acid (PLA) and optionally polyglycolic acid (PGA), along with a therapeutic drug.
Q: What are the therapeutic applications of the implants described in the patent?
A: The implants are intended for treating conditions such as schizophrenia using drugs like risperidone and haloperidol.
Q: How can one search for related patents and prior art for this invention?
A: Use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, the Global Dossier service, and international databases like esp@cenet and PATENTSCOPE®.
Q: What tools are available for analyzing the economic and research implications of this patent?
A: The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims and patent scope measurements.
Q: Is the patent still active, and what is its expiration date?
A: The patent is currently active, but the exact expiration date needs to be verified from the patent document or relevant databases.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- PharmaCompass - US Patent 8221778: https://www.pharmacompass.com/us-patent-8221778
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US8221778B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8221778B2/en
- Unified Patents Portal - US-20220370620-A1: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20220370620-A1
