Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,574,613
Introduction
United States Patent 8,574,613, titled "Sustained Release Drug Delivery System," was granted on January 19, 2010. This patent pertains to a specific type of drug delivery system designed to release a therapeutic agent over an extended period. Here, we will delve into the details of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape it operates within.
Background of the Patent
The patent addresses a critical need in pharmaceuticals: the development of efficient and controlled drug delivery systems. Sustained release systems are designed to maintain a therapeutic drug level in the body over a longer period, reducing the frequency of dosing and improving patient compliance.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: This claim describes the general composition of the sustained release drug delivery system, including an inner layer containing the therapeutic agent, an outer layer, and optionally, a barrier layer. The outer layer is formed of a material selected from ethyl vinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate, or a combination thereof[2].
Dependent Claims
- Claim 2: This claim specifies additional details about the outer layer, such as its thickness and the presence of a plasticizer to enhance the release characteristics of the therapeutic agent.
- Claim 3: This claim describes the barrier layer, which can be made of a material such as ethyl cellulose or polyvinyl acetate, and its role in controlling the release rate of the therapeutic agent.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The patent provides a detailed description of the sustained release drug delivery system, including its components and how they function together.
Inner Layer
The inner layer contains the therapeutic agent, which can be any drug that benefits from sustained release, such as pain relievers, antihypertensives, or antibiotics.
Outer Layer
The outer layer is crucial for controlling the release rate of the therapeutic agent. It is made from materials like ethyl vinyl acetate or polyvinyl acetate, which are known for their biocompatibility and controlled release properties.
Barrier Layer
The optional barrier layer further regulates the release rate by creating an additional barrier between the inner layer and the outer environment. This layer can be made from materials such as ethyl cellulose or polyvinyl acetate.
Patent Landscape
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to consider related patents and the current state of drug delivery technology.
Related Patents
- Other patents in the field of sustained release drug delivery systems often focus on different materials, designs, or mechanisms for controlling drug release. For example, US Patent 4,615,698 describes an osmotic device for delivering beneficial agents, which operates on a different principle but serves a similar purpose[5].
Current Trends
The field of drug delivery is continuously evolving, with advancements in materials science, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. Recent patents often incorporate new materials and technologies, such as nanoparticles, micelles, or implantable devices, to achieve more precise and controlled drug delivery.
Search and Analysis Tools
For a comprehensive analysis of the patent landscape, several tools and resources are available:
USPTO Patent Public Search
This tool allows users to search existing patents, published patent applications, and other patent documentation. It is useful for identifying prior art and understanding the scope of existing patents in the field[4].
Global Dossier
This service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping to identify patent families and related applications globally[4].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
This dataset from the USPTO contains detailed information on claims from US patents granted between 1976 and 2014 and US patent applications published between 2001 and 2014. It can be used to analyze claim-level statistics and document-level statistics, providing insights into patent scope and trends[3].
Implications for Innovators and Practitioners
Understanding the scope and claims of US Patent 8,574,613 is crucial for innovators and practitioners in the field of drug delivery systems.
Drafting Patent Claims
When drafting patent claims for new drug delivery systems, it is essential to ensure that the claims are distinct from existing patents like US 8,574,613. This involves careful analysis of prior art and ensuring that new claims integrate judicial exceptions into practical applications, as highlighted in recent USPTO guidance updates[1].
Evaluating Patent Eligibility
The 2024 USPTO guidance update on AI patent eligibility, while focused on AI, provides general principles that can be applied to other technologies. For instance, the emphasis on integrating judicial exceptions into practical applications is relevant when evaluating the patent eligibility of drug delivery systems[1].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: US Patent 8,574,613 covers a specific type of sustained release drug delivery system with detailed descriptions of its components.
- Claims Analysis: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the invention's scope.
- Patent Landscape: The field of drug delivery is dynamic, with ongoing innovations in materials and technologies.
- Tools and Resources: Various USPTO tools and datasets are available for comprehensive patent searches and analysis.
FAQs
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What is the main focus of US Patent 8,574,613?
- The main focus is on a sustained release drug delivery system designed to release a therapeutic agent over an extended period.
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What materials are used for the outer layer in the patent?
- The outer layer is made from materials such as ethyl vinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate, or a combination thereof.
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How does the barrier layer function in the patent?
- The barrier layer regulates the release rate of the therapeutic agent by creating an additional barrier between the inner layer and the outer environment.
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What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for drug delivery systems?
- Tools such as the USPTO Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Patent Claims Research Dataset can be used.
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What recent guidance is relevant for drafting patent claims in the field of drug delivery?
- The 2024 USPTO guidance update on AI patent eligibility provides principles on integrating judicial exceptions into practical applications, which is relevant for drafting patent claims in various technological fields, including drug delivery.
Cited Sources
- Mintz, "Understanding the 2024 USPTO Guidance Update on AI Patent"
- United States Patent 8,574,613
- USPTO, "Patent Claims Research Dataset"
- USPTO, "Search for patents"
- United States Patent 4,615,698
