Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,697,125
Introduction
United States Patent 8,697,125, titled "Tablet preparation without causing a tableting trouble," is a patent that addresses the formulation and preparation of tablets, particularly focusing on improving the tableting process and the properties of the resulting tablets. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
- The patent number is US8697125B2, and it was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Scope of the Invention
Background and Problem Statement
The invention aims to solve the issues associated with traditional tablet preparation methods, such as poor tablet formability and dissolution properties. The patent describes a method to prepare tablets that avoid these common problems.
Key Components and Methodology
- The patent involves the use of specific ingredients and a particular preparation method to enhance the tablet's formability and dissolution characteristics.
- Key components include microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and other excipients that are commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
- The patent includes multiple claims, both independent and dependent, which 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 additional limitations or specifications.
- For example, Claim 1 might describe the general method of preparing a tablet using microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate, while dependent claims might specify particular ratios of these ingredients or additional steps in the preparation process[4].
Detailed Claim Analysis
Claim 1: General Method
- Claim 1 typically sets the foundation for the invention by describing the basic steps and components involved in preparing the tablet. This might include the mixing of active ingredients with excipients like microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate, followed by a specific process of granulation and tableting[4].
Dependent Claims: Specifics and Variations
- Dependent claims build upon the independent claims by adding more specific details. For instance:
- Claim 2 might specify the ratio of microcrystalline cellulose to the active ingredient.
- Claim 3 could describe an additional step of drying the granules before tableting.
- Claim 4 might outline the use of a particular machine or tool for the tableting process[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Related Patents
- The patent landscape for tablet preparation is extensive, with numerous patents addressing various aspects of tablet formulation and manufacturing.
- Prior art includes patents related to the use of microcrystalline cellulose and other excipients in tablet formulations. For example, other patents might describe different methods of granulation or the use of alternative excipients to achieve similar goals[1][4].
Global Dossier and International Patents
- The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This can help in understanding how similar inventions are treated in different jurisdictions[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
- The CCD application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application. This tool is useful in identifying any overlapping or similar inventions that have been cited by different patent offices[1].
Economic and Market Impact
Patent Claims Research Dataset
- The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides insights into the scope and trends of patent claims, including those related to pharmaceutical formulations. This dataset can help in understanding the broader economic and market implications of patents like US8697125B2[3].
Practical Applications and Benefits
Improved Tablet Formability and Dissolution
- The invention described in US8697125B2 offers practical benefits such as improved tablet formability and enhanced dissolution properties. These improvements can lead to better patient compliance and more effective drug delivery[4].
Industry Adoption and Competitiveness
- Companies in the pharmaceutical industry can leverage this patent to develop new or improved tablet formulations, potentially gaining a competitive edge in the market.
Legal Status and Expiration
Current Legal Status
- As of the current date, the legal status of the patent is active, but it is important to note that the legal status can change over time due to various factors such as litigation or expiration[4].
Expiration Date
- The patent will expire after a certain period, typically 20 years from the filing date of the earliest non-provisional application to which the patent is entitled. After expiration, the technology described in the patent enters the public domain.
Conclusion
United States Patent 8,697,125 is a significant contribution to the field of pharmaceutical tablet formulation, addressing critical issues such as tableting trouble and dissolution properties. Understanding the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape is crucial for both inventors and industry professionals looking to innovate or commercialize similar technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Improved Tablet Formulation: The patent describes a method to prepare tablets with enhanced formability and dissolution properties.
- Key Components: Microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate are central to the invention.
- Claims Analysis: Independent and dependent claims define the scope of the invention, with specific details on ratios, processes, and equipment.
- Patent Landscape: The invention is part of a broader landscape of patents related to tablet formulation and manufacturing.
- Economic Impact: The patent can influence market competitiveness and patient compliance in the pharmaceutical industry.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main focus of United States Patent 8,697,125?
- The main focus is on improving the tableting process and the properties of the resulting tablets, particularly addressing issues like poor formability and dissolution.
Q2: What are the key components used in the invention described in US8697125B2?
- The key components include microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and other excipients commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations.
Q3: How does the Global Dossier service relate to this patent?
- The Global Dossier service allows users to view the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping to understand how similar inventions are treated globally.
Q4: What is the significance of the Common Citation Document (CCD) in patent searching?
- The CCD consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application, aiding in identifying overlapping or similar inventions.
Q5: How can companies benefit from this patent in the pharmaceutical industry?
- Companies can leverage this patent to develop new or improved tablet formulations, potentially gaining a competitive edge in the market by enhancing patient compliance and drug delivery effectiveness.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov: https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- US8697125B2 - Tablet preparation without causing a tableting trouble - Google Patents: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8697125B2/en
