Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,746,242
Introduction
United States Patent 8,746,242, issued on June 10, 2014, is a significant patent in the field of medicament dispensers, particularly those used for inhalation therapies. This patent is assigned to Glaxo Group Limited and involves the invention of a medicament dispenser designed for use with multiple medicament carriers.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by Connell Hugh Alexander, Harvey Stephen James, and Tansley Robert William, and is assigned to Glaxo Group Limited, a major pharmaceutical company known for its innovative respiratory treatments[2][4].
Patent Description
The patent describes a medicament dispenser designed to work with at least one medicament carrier that carries multiple distinct medicament portions. The dispenser includes several key components:
- Housing: A generally non-circular form housing that contains the dispensing mechanism.
- Receiving Station: A mechanism for receiving each of the plural medicament carriers.
- Release Mechanism: A system for releasing a distinct medicament dose portion from each of the medicament carriers upon receipt by the receiving station.
- Outlet: Positioned to be in communication with the distinct medicament dose portions releasable by the release mechanism.
- Indexer: For individually indexing the distinct medicament dose portions of each of the plural medicament carriers[2][4].
Claims
The patent's claims are crucial in defining the scope of protection. Here are some key aspects:
- The claims specify the structure and function of the medicament dispenser, including the housing, receiving station, release mechanism, outlet, and indexer.
- The claims also detail the interaction between the medicament carriers and the dispenser, ensuring that each dose portion is accurately dispensed.
- The specificity of these claims helps to prevent competitors from creating similar but slightly modified versions of the dispenser that could infringe on the patent[3].
Patent Scope
The scope of the patent is determined by the breadth and specificity of its claims. Here are some points to consider:
- Breadth of Claims: The patent's claims are relatively detailed, which suggests a narrower scope. According to patent analysis, longer claims typically imply more conditions that must be met for a patent to be violated, making it harder for competitors to design around the patent[3].
- Competitor Protection: The detailed nature of the claims provides strong protection against competitors producing readily substitutable variations of the invention. This is because any competitor must meet every condition of the claim to avoid infringement[3].
Patent Expiration Dates
The patent has multiple expiration dates due to different filings and extensions:
- October 11, 2030: This is the primary expiration date for the patent.
- April 11, 2031: This date applies to a continuation or divisional patent related to the original filing[2][4].
Related Patents
There are several related patents that complement or build upon the technology described in US Patent 8,746,242:
- Patent 8,511,304: Issued on August 20, 2013, this patent also describes a medicament dispenser with similar components but may have slight variations in design or functionality.
- Patent 9,333,310: Issued on May 10, 2016, this patent further refines the medicament dispenser technology, possibly addressing newer innovations or improvements[2][4].
Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry
This patent is significant in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the development and marketing of inhalation therapies:
- Inhalation Therapies: The dispenser is designed for use with medications like fluticasone furoate (Arnuity Ellipta), which are crucial for treating respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.
- Market Protection: The patent provides Glaxo Group Limited with exclusive rights to manufacture and market this specific type of medicament dispenser, protecting their market share and innovation[1][4].
Conclusion
United States Patent 8,746,242 is a critical piece of intellectual property for Glaxo Group Limited, protecting their innovative medicament dispenser technology. The detailed claims and specific components outlined in the patent ensure robust protection against competitors, while the related patents further solidify their position in the market.
Key Takeaways
- Detailed Claims: The patent's claims are specific and detailed, providing strong protection against infringement.
- Expiration Dates: The patent expires on October 11, 2030, with a related continuation expiring on April 11, 2031.
- Industry Impact: The patent is significant for inhalation therapies and protects Glaxo Group Limited's market share in this area.
- Related Patents: There are several related patents that complement or build upon this technology.
FAQs
Q: Who are the inventors of US Patent 8,746,242?
A: The inventors are Connell Hugh Alexander, Harvey Stephen James, and Tansley Robert William.
Q: What is the primary component of the medicament dispenser described in the patent?
A: The primary components include a housing, receiving station, release mechanism, outlet, and indexer.
Q: When does the patent expire?
A: The primary expiration date is October 11, 2030, with a related continuation expiring on April 11, 2031.
Q: What is the significance of this patent in the pharmaceutical industry?
A: It protects Glaxo Group Limited's innovative medicament dispenser technology, particularly for inhalation therapies like Arnuity Ellipta.
Q: How does the patent scope affect competitors?
A: The detailed claims make it difficult for competitors to design around the patent, providing strong protection against infringement.
Sources
- Drugs.com: Generic Arnuity Ellipta Availability.
- Drugs.com: Generic Trelegy Ellipta Availability.
- Boston University Law: The Ways We've been Measuring Patent Scope are Wrong.
- Drugs.com: Generic Anoro Ellipta Availability.
