United States Patent 9,040,085: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 9,040,085, titled "Delayed Release Tablet with Defined Core Geometry," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the field of drug delivery systems. This patent, owned by Horizon Pharma, outlines a specific design for a delayed-release tablet that ensures controlled and efficient release of the active agent.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Details
The patent number is US9040085B2, with the application number US14/329,631. It was published on May 26, 2015, and granted on May 26, 2015[4].
Inventors and Assignees
The patent is assigned to Horizon Pharma, with specific inventors credited for the development of this technology.
Scope of the Patent
Summary of the Invention
The patent describes a tablet comprising a core containing an active agent and a coating. The core is disposed within the coating such that the coating has a specific thickness, ensuring a delayed release of the active agent. This design allows for a lag time during which no active agent is released, followed by a rapid release of the active substance[4].
Key Components
- Core Geometry: The core of the tablet has a defined geometry that is crucial for the delayed release mechanism.
- Coating Thickness: The thickness of the coating is precisely controlled to achieve the desired release profile.
- Active Agent: The core contains an active agent that is released in a controlled manner.
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically describe the composition and structure of the tablet, including the core and coating, and the method of manufacturing such a tablet.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the independent claims, such as the materials used for the core and coating, the dimensions of the core, and the process steps involved in manufacturing the tablet.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape for delayed-release tablets is complex, with several related patents that address similar technologies. For example, patents like US20140328912-A1 describe similar mechanisms for controlling the release of active agents, though with different core geometries and coating techniques[5].
Global Dossier and International Filings
To understand the global reach of this patent, one can use the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO. This service allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in identifying similar patents filed in other countries and understanding the international patent landscape[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is a powerful resource for searching prior art and understanding the patent landscape. This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and can be used to find similar patents and published patent applications[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 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 the scope and trends of patent claims, including those related to pharmaceutical inventions like the delayed-release tablet[3].
Market Impact
Patents like US9040085B2 have significant market implications, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. They can influence the development of generic drugs and impact the competitive landscape by protecting innovative drug delivery systems.
Legal Status and Expiration
Current Status
As of the current date, the legal status of the patent is important to note. According to Google Patents, the patent has expired, which means that the exclusive rights to the invention are no longer in effect[4].
Practical Applications
Drug Delivery Systems
The delayed-release tablet described in this patent is used in various drug delivery systems to ensure that the active agent is released in a controlled and efficient manner. This is particularly useful for drugs that require a specific release profile to be effective.
Pharmaceutical Industry
In the pharmaceutical industry, such patents are crucial for protecting intellectual property and encouraging innovation. They allow companies to invest in research and development, knowing that their inventions will be protected for a certain period.
Conclusion
United States Patent 9,040,085 is a critical patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly for delayed-release drug delivery systems. Understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape of this invention is essential for both innovators and competitors in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent describes a delayed-release tablet with a defined core geometry and specific coating thickness.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the composition, structure, and manufacturing process of the tablet.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of related patents and international filings.
- Search Tools: Tools like Patent Public Search and Common Citation Document are essential for analyzing prior art and understanding the patent landscape.
- Economic Implications: The patent has significant economic implications, influencing the development of generic drugs and the competitive landscape.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, meaning the exclusive rights to the invention are no longer in effect.
FAQs
Q: What is the main invention described in US Patent 9,040,085?
A: The main invention is a delayed-release tablet with a defined core geometry and a specific coating thickness that ensures controlled release of the active agent.
Q: Who is the assignee of this patent?
A: The assignee of this patent is Horizon Pharma.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for this invention?
A: Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search and the Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be used to analyze the patent landscape.
Q: What is the current legal status of US Patent 9,040,085?
A: The patent has expired, meaning the exclusive rights to the invention are no longer in effect.
Q: How does this patent impact the pharmaceutical industry?
A: This patent protects innovative drug delivery systems, influencing the development of generic drugs and the competitive landscape in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Justia - Horizon Pharma plc Business Contracts. Retrieved from https://contracts.justia.com/companies/horizon-pharma-plc-3821/contract/354824/
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US9040085B2. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US9040085B2/en
- Unified Patents Portal - US-20140328912-A1. Retrieved from https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20140328912-A1
