United States Patent 8,481,565: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 8,481,565, titled "Method for stabilizing anti-dementia drug," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, with the publication number US8481565B2, was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[2].
Prior Art and Legal Status
The patent is based on an application filed in 2007 and was granted in 2013. The legal status indicates that the patent is active but will expire according to the terms set by the USPTO. It is crucial to note that the legal status provided by Google or other sources is an assumption and not a legal conclusion[2].
Classification
The patent is classified under various categories, including A61K9/205—Polysaccharides, e.g., alginate, gums; Cyclodextrin, and A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system, specifically for treating neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system[2].
Scope of the Invention
Purpose and Method
The patent describes a method for stabilizing an anti-dementia drug in a pharmaceutical composition. This method involves combining the anti-dementia drug with a high molecular weight substance, such as polysaccharides or cellulose derivatives, to enhance the stability of the drug. This is particularly important for drugs that are prone to degradation, ensuring their efficacy over a longer period[2].
Technical Details
The invention specifies the use of certain high molecular weight substances like alginate, gums, or cellulose derivatives. These substances help in maintaining the drug's stability by preventing degradation caused by factors such as moisture or light. The patent also outlines the specific conditions and ratios of the components in the pharmaceutical composition[2].
Claims
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes several claims, both independent and dependent. Independent claims define the broad scope of the invention, while dependent claims further specify and narrow down the invention. For example, Claim 1 might describe the general method of stabilizing the anti-dementia drug, while subsequent claims might detail specific types of high molecular weight substances or their ratios in the composition[2].
Claim Analysis
- Independent Claims: These claims are crucial as they define the core of the invention. For instance, Claim 1 might state: "A method for stabilizing an anti-dementia drug in a pharmaceutical composition, comprising combining the anti-dementia drug with a high molecular weight substance."
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims, adding more specificity. For example, a dependent claim might specify: "The method of Claim 1, wherein the high molecular weight substance is selected from the group consisting of alginate, gums, and cellulose derivatives."
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape for anti-dementia drugs and their stabilization methods is complex and involves numerous patents and applications. The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool and other international databases like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE can be used to identify related patents and applications[1].
Global Dossier and International Filings
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This can help in understanding the global scope and protection of similar inventions[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
- Patent Public Search: This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and is essential for conducting thorough patent searches.
- Global Dossier: Useful for viewing related applications and their status across different IP Offices.
- Common Citation Document (CCD): Helps in consolidating citation data from multiple offices, making it easier to analyze the prior art landscape[1].
Other International Resources
- European Patent Office (EPO): Provides access to European patent databases through esp@cenet.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): Offers the PATENTSCOPE search service for international patent applications[1].
Economic and Litigation Implications
Patent Quality and Litigation
The quality of patents, including those related to anti-dementia drugs, can significantly impact litigation. The USPTO has been working to improve patent quality by analyzing trends in patent infringement litigation and linking this information to internal data on the patent examination process[4].
Stakeholder Views
Stakeholders in the patent litigation field have identified key factors contributing to recent patent litigation, including the types of patents involved and the issues in dispute. This information can help in refining the patent examination process to reduce future litigation[4].
Key Takeaways
- Stabilization Method: The patent provides a method for stabilizing anti-dementia drugs using high molecular weight substances.
- Classification and Claims: The patent is classified under specific categories and includes both independent and dependent claims that define the scope of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: The landscape involves numerous related patents and applications, both domestically and internationally.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Utilizing tools like Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and CCD is crucial for thorough analysis.
- Economic and Litigation Implications: Improving patent quality through analysis of litigation trends is vital for reducing future disputes.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of United States Patent 8,481,565?
The main purpose of this patent is to describe a method for stabilizing anti-dementia drugs in pharmaceutical compositions using high molecular weight substances.
How does the stabilization method work?
The method involves combining the anti-dementia drug with a high molecular weight substance, such as polysaccharides or cellulose derivatives, to prevent degradation and enhance stability.
What are the key classifications for this patent?
The patent is classified under categories such as A61K9/205 and A61P25/00, which pertain to polysaccharides and drugs for neurodegenerative disorders, respectively.
What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for this invention?
Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international databases such as esp@cenet and PATENTSCOPE can be used to analyze the patent landscape.
How does the USPTO improve patent quality in relation to litigation?
The USPTO improves patent quality by analyzing trends in patent infringement litigation and linking this information to internal data on the patent examination process to identify patterns and improve the examination process.
What is the significance of the Global Dossier service in patent searches?
The Global Dossier service allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices, which helps in understanding the global scope and protection of similar inventions.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US8481565B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8481565B2/en
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- GAO - Assessing Factors That Affect Patent Infringement Litigation: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-13-465
