Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,715,724: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for inventors, researchers, and businesses to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property. This article delves into the details of United States Patent 8,715,724, titled "Tabletting Process," to provide a thorough analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Overview of the Patent
Patent Number and Title
United States Patent 8,715,724, titled "Tabletting Process," was granted for a method of producing compressed solid dosage forms containing an active ingredient[4].
Publication and Priority Dates
The patent was published on May 6, 2014, with a priority date of October 27, 2005. This indicates that the invention was first disclosed and filed for patent protection nearly a decade before the patent was granted.
Scope of the Patent
Invention Description
The patent describes a process for preparing core elements containing an active ingredient, which are then compressed into tablet form. The process involves steps such as granulation, extrusion, and marumerisation to form core elements. These core elements can be treated with an anti-static agent to reduce static charge accumulation[4].
Key Components
- Active Ingredient: The process is designed for pharmaceutically active compounds or chemical compounds suitable for medicinal or diagnostic use. Examples include doxycycline, tetracycline, and other tetracycline derivatives[4].
- Core Elements: These can be formed by applying a layer of the active ingredient onto inert cores or by mixing the active ingredient with suitable excipients[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the broadest scope of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding additional limitations.
- Independent Claim 1: This claim describes the overall process of preparing core elements and compressing them into tablets, including the steps of granulation, extrusion, and marumerisation[4].
- Dependent Claims: These claims specify additional details such as the use of anti-static agents, the type of active ingredients, and the method of applying the active ingredient onto inert cores[4].
Claim Analysis
Each claim must be analyzed to understand the specific elements and limitations that define the invention. For example, Claim 1 sets the foundation for the process, while subsequent claims add specific details that further define the scope of the invention.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Citations
The patent landscape includes prior art cited by the patent office and other relevant patents in the field. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be used to consolidate citation data from multiple patent offices, providing a comprehensive view of prior art related to the patent family[1].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP offices. This helps in understanding the global reach and related filings of the patent[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
The USPTO provides several tools for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, which replaced legacy search tools like PubEast and PubWest. This tool offers enhanced access to prior art and improved search capabilities[1].
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)
Local PTRCs offer training in patent search techniques and maintain local search resources, which can be invaluable for conducting thorough searches related to the patent[1].
Economic and Legal Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents and applications, which can be used to analyze trends and scope measurements. This dataset is particularly useful for understanding the economic and legal implications of patent claims[3].
Small Claims Patent Court
There have been discussions and studies on the feasibility of a small claims patent court, which could impact the legal landscape for patent disputes. This potential court would aim to provide a more streamlined and cost-effective process for resolving patent infringement cases[5].
Industry Expert Insights
Industry experts and legal practitioners have provided insights into the complexities of patent claims and the patent landscape. For instance, Alan Marco, former Chief Economist for the USPTO, has contributed to research on patent scope measurements, highlighting the importance of detailed claim analysis[3][5].
Practical Applications
Pharmaceutical Industry
The tabletting process described in the patent has significant practical applications in the pharmaceutical industry. It ensures the efficient production of solid dosage forms with precise control over the active ingredient, which is critical for drug efficacy and safety.
Compliance and Enforcement
Understanding the scope and claims of the patent is essential for compliance and enforcement. Companies must ensure that their manufacturing processes do not infringe on the patented method to avoid legal repercussions.
Key Takeaways
- Detailed Process Description: The patent outlines a specific process for preparing core elements and compressing them into tablets.
- Active Ingredient Focus: The process is tailored for pharmaceutically active compounds, highlighting its relevance in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Claim Analysis: Each claim must be carefully analyzed to understand the scope and limitations of the invention.
- Patent Landscape Tools: Utilizing tools like the Global Dossier and CCD can provide a comprehensive view of the patent landscape.
- Economic and Legal Implications: The patent claims dataset and discussions on a small claims patent court underscore the broader economic and legal context.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 8,715,724?
The main focus of the patent is a process for producing compressed solid dosage forms containing an active ingredient, specifically tailored for pharmaceutical applications.
How can I search for related patents using USPTO resources?
You can use the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier service, and local Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) to search for related patents and understand the broader patent landscape.
What are the key components of the tabletting process described in the patent?
The key components include the preparation of core elements containing the active ingredient through granulation, extrusion, and marumerisation, and the use of anti-static agents to reduce static charge accumulation.
Why is claim analysis important in understanding a patent?
Claim analysis is crucial because it defines the scope and limitations of the invention. Each claim must be carefully examined to understand what is protected by the patent.
How does the Global Dossier service help in patent research?
The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP offices, allowing users to view the patent family and related filings globally.
