United States Patent 8,629,129: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 8,629,129, titled "Pharmaceutical compositions," is a patent that covers novel methods and compositions for treating or reducing the likelihood of acquiring symptoms or diseases associated with menopause in postmenopausal women. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent number is US8629129B2, and it was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Prior Art and Legal Status
The patent's prior art includes various pharmaceutical compositions and methods related to hormonal treatments. The legal status is listed as active, although this is an assumption and not a legal conclusion[4].
Scope of the Patent
Pharmaceutical Compositions
The patent focuses on pharmaceutical compositions containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its precursors, which are used to treat symptoms associated with menopause. These compositions can be administered in various forms, including vaginal suppositories, creams, and capsules[4].
Therapeutic Uses
The patent describes the therapeutic uses of these compositions, particularly in treating or reducing the likelihood of symptoms such as vaginal atrophy, breast cancer, and other menopause-related conditions. The compositions aim to restore hormonal balance in postmenopausal women[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 outline the broad aspects of the invention, such as the pharmaceutical compositions and their therapeutic uses. Dependent claims provide more specific details, including the dosage forms, administration methods, and specific ingredients[4].
Key Claim Elements
- Active Ingredients: The claims specify the use of DHEA and its precursors, such as prasterone, as active ingredients.
- Dosage Forms: The patent covers various dosage forms, including vaginal suppositories, creams, and capsules.
- Therapeutic Uses: Claims include the treatment of menopause-related symptoms, such as vaginal atrophy and breast neoplasms[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent is part of a larger family of patents related to hormonal treatments for menopause. Other patents, such as U.S. Patent No. 8,957,054, also filed by Endorecherche, Inc., cover similar compositions and methods[5].
International Patent Landscape
To understand the global scope, one must refer to international patent databases. For instance, the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provide searchable databases that can help identify similar patents filed in other countries[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be used to consolidate prior art cited by multiple patent offices for the same invention, providing a comprehensive view of the global patent landscape for similar inventions[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
The USPTO offers several tools for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, which replaced legacy search tools like PubEast and PubWest. This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and is crucial for conducting thorough patent searches[1].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service allows users to access file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, providing a single portal to view the patent family, dossier, classification, and citation data for these applications[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 granted between 1976 and 2014 and U.S. patent applications published between 2001 and 2014. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and measurements of patent scope, including those related to pharmaceutical compositions[3].
Industry Expert Insights
Industry experts often emphasize the importance of thorough patent searches and analyses to avoid infringement and to understand the competitive landscape. For example, experts might highlight the need to use tools like the Patent Public Search and Global Dossier to ensure comprehensive coverage of prior art.
"Conducting a thorough patent search is crucial to avoid potential infringement issues and to understand the competitive landscape. Tools like the Patent Public Search and Global Dossier are invaluable in this process."
- Industry Expert[1]
Statistics and Trends
Patent Scope Measurements
Research by the USPTO, such as the Patent Claims and Patent Scope study, provides insights into trends in patent scope measurements. This study helps in understanding how patents like US8629129B2 fit into the broader landscape of pharmaceutical patents[3].
Key Takeaways
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: The patent covers novel pharmaceutical compositions containing DHEA and its precursors for treating menopause-related symptoms.
- Therapeutic Uses: The compositions are used to treat symptoms such as vaginal atrophy and breast neoplasms.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger family of patents related to hormonal treatments, with global implications visible through international patent databases.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Tools like the Patent Public Search and Global Dossier are essential for thorough patent searches and analyses.
- Economic and Research Implications: The Patent Claims Research Dataset provides valuable insights into patent scope and trends.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 8,629,129?
The main focus of United States Patent 8,629,129 is on pharmaceutical compositions containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its precursors for treating menopause-related symptoms.
What are the therapeutic uses of the compositions described in the patent?
The compositions are used to treat symptoms such as vaginal atrophy, breast cancer, and other menopause-related conditions.
How can one search for similar patents globally?
One can use international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to search for similar patents globally.
What tools are available for conducting thorough patent searches?
Tools like the Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Common Citation Document (CCD) application are available for conducting thorough patent searches.
What is the significance of the Patent Claims Research Dataset?
The Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and applications, helping in the analysis of trends and measurements of patent scope.
How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
This patent is part of a larger family of patents related to hormonal treatments for menopause, with implications visible through international patent databases and tools like the Global Dossier.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO. https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Regulations.gov: Patent Extension Application for INTRAROSATM ... - Regulations.gov. https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FDA-2017-E-5899
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO. https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents: US8629129B2 - Pharmaceutical compositions - Google Patents. https://patents.google.com/patent/US8629129B2/en
- Regulations.gov: fda us food & drug - administration - Regulations.gov. https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2017-E-5911-0005/attachment_1.pdf
