Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,703,820
Introduction
United States Patent 8,703,820, titled "Administration of 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthoic acid for the treatment of dermatological disorders," is a patent that addresses a specific pharmaceutical composition and its application in treating dermatological conditions. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent in question is US8703820B2, issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Scope of the Invention
Dermatological Disorders
The patent focuses on the treatment of dermatological disorders that have an inflammatory or proliferative component. This includes conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and other skin-related ailments.
Pharmaceutical Composition
The invention involves the use of a specific compound, 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthoic acid, which is administered in a pharmaceutical composition. This composition can be in various forms, such as gels, creams, or other topical formulations.
Claims
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the broad scope of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding specific limitations.
- Independent Claim 1: This claim typically defines the core invention, such as the pharmaceutical composition containing the specified compound and its use for treating dermatological disorders.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims by specifying particular aspects, such as the concentration of the compound, the formulation type, or the method of administration[4].
Prior Art and Citations
Prior Art Keywords
The patent lists several prior art keywords, including "acne," "individual," "gel," "regime," and "adapalene." These keywords indicate the existing knowledge in the field and help in understanding the novelty of the invention[4].
Legal Status
Active Status
As of the last update, the patent is listed as active, with an expiration date based on the patent term. However, the legal status is subject to change and should be verified through official channels[4].
Chemical Compounds
Key Components
The patent mentions several chemical compounds, including propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and methylparaben, which are part of the pharmaceutical composition. These compounds are crucial for the formulation and stability of the treatment[4].
Method of Treatment
Administration Methods
The patent describes the method of treating dermatological disorders using the specified pharmaceutical composition. This includes the application regime and the concentration of the active compound[4].
Patent Landscape
Global Dossier and IP5 Offices
To understand the broader patent landscape, tools like the Global Dossier can be used. This service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, including the IP5 Offices (USPTO, EPO, JPO, KIPO, and SIPO). This helps in identifying similar patents and applications worldwide[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application. This tool is useful for visualizing the search results for the same invention produced by several offices on a single page[1].
Economic and Statistical Analysis
Patent Claims Research Dataset
For a deeper analysis, the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can be utilized. This dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and applications, including claim-level and document-level statistics. It helps in understanding trends and the scope of patents in the field of pharmaceuticals[3].
Practical Implications
Commercial and Clinical Use
The practical implications of this patent involve the commercial production and clinical use of the pharmaceutical composition. Companies and researchers must ensure that their products do not infringe on the claims of this patent, or they must obtain the necessary licenses.
Future Developments
Small Claims Patent Court
The concept of a small claims patent court, as studied by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), could impact the enforcement and litigation of patents like US8703820B2. Such a court could provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to resolve patent disputes, especially for smaller entities[2].
Conclusion
Understanding the scope and claims of United States Patent 8,703,820 is crucial for anyone involved in the development or use of similar pharmaceutical compositions. The patent's focus on treating dermatological disorders with a specific compound highlights the importance of detailed patent searches and analyses to avoid infringement and to innovate within the boundaries of existing intellectual property.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers the use of 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthoic acid for treating dermatological disorders.
- Claims: Include both independent and dependent claims defining the pharmaceutical composition and its use.
- Prior Art: Lists keywords like "acne" and "adapalene" to indicate existing knowledge.
- Legal Status: Currently active, with an expiration date based on the patent term.
- Chemical Compounds: Includes propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and methylparaben.
- Patent Landscape: Tools like Global Dossier and CCD help in understanding the broader patent landscape.
FAQs
Q: What is the main compound used in the pharmaceutical composition of US8703820B2?
A: The main compound is 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthoic acid.
Q: What are the primary dermatological disorders treated by this patent?
A: The primary disorders include acne, psoriasis, and other inflammatory or proliferative skin conditions.
Q: How can one access the file histories of related patent applications globally?
A: Using the Global Dossier service, which provides access to file histories from participating IP Offices.
Q: What is the purpose of the Common Citation Document (CCD) application?
A: The CCD consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application.
Q: Where can one find detailed statistical data on patent claims for similar inventions?
A: The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and applications.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset
- Google Patents - US8703820B2