United States Patent 9,066,942: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 9,066,942, titled "Oral dosage forms for oxygen-containing active agents and oxyl-containing polymer," was issued on June 30, 2015. This patent, assigned to Spriaso LLC, involves innovative formulations for oral dosage forms, particularly focusing on oxygen-containing active agents and oxyl-containing polymers. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Inventors and Assignee
The patent was invented by Giliyar Chandrashekar, Nachaegari Satish Kumar, Nachiappan Chidambaram, Patel Mahesh V., and Venkateshwaran Srinivansan, and is assigned to Spriaso LLC[2].
Patent Scope
The scope of a patent is crucial as it defines the boundaries of what is protected by the patent. For Patent 9,066,942, the scope is centered around oral dosage forms that incorporate oxygen-containing active agents and oxyl-containing polymers.
Independent Claim Length and Count
Research on patent scope often uses metrics such as independent claim length and count to measure the breadth of a patent. While the specific details of these metrics for Patent 9,066,942 are not provided, studies suggest that narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Claims
The claims of a patent are the most critical part as they define what is protected.
Main Claims
- The patent claims cover oral dosage forms that include oxygen-containing active agents and oxyl-containing polymers. These formulations are designed to enhance the delivery and stability of the active agents.
- Specific claims include the composition of the dosage forms, the ratio of oxygen-containing active agents to oxyl-containing polymers, and the methods of manufacturing these formulations[2].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the main claims by adding additional limitations. For example, dependent claims might detail specific ratios of the polymers, the inclusion of additional drugs, or specific methods of preparing the dosage forms.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Composition
The invention involves oral dosage forms that combine oxygen-containing active agents with oxyl-containing polymers. These polymers are crucial for stabilizing and delivering the active agents effectively.
Manufacturing Methods
The patent describes various methods for manufacturing these dosage forms, including the preparation of capsules with beads or granules containing both sustained release and immediate release formulations. This ensures a controlled release of the active agents over a specified period[2].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape for oral dosage forms and pharmaceutical formulations is extensive. Other patents, such as US7838032B2, also deal with sustained release formulations, although they focus on different active agents like guaifenesin[4].
International Patent Offices
To understand the global patent landscape, it is essential to search international patent databases. Resources like the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provide access to international patent applications and granted patents, which can help in identifying similar or overlapping inventions[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices for the same invention. This tool can help in understanding how different offices have treated similar patent applications, providing a more comprehensive view of the patent landscape[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is a powerful resource for conducting thorough patent searches. It replaces legacy tools like PubEast and PubWest and provides enhanced access to prior art, which is crucial for analyzing the scope and claims of a patent[1].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service allows users to view the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This can be particularly useful in understanding how the patent application for 9,066,942 was treated in different jurisdictions[1].
Implications and Applications
Therapeutic Benefits
The oral dosage forms described in Patent 9,066,942 are designed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of oxygen-containing active agents. By providing a controlled release, these formulations can maintain therapeutic levels of the active agents over an extended period, improving patient compliance and treatment outcomes.
Market Impact
Patents like 9,066,942 can significantly impact the pharmaceutical market by introducing innovative formulations that improve drug delivery. This can lead to new product lines and potentially disrupt existing markets, especially if the formulations offer superior therapeutic benefits or convenience.
Challenges and Controversies
Patent Scope and Quality
Debates over patent quality often revolve around the breadth and clarity of patent claims. Patents with overly broad claims can lead to increased licensing and litigation costs, potentially stifling innovation. The scope of Patent 9,066,942 must be carefully evaluated to ensure it does not overly restrict future innovations in the field[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 9,066,942 represents a significant innovation in the field of pharmaceutical formulations, particularly for oral dosage forms containing oxygen-containing active agents and oxyl-containing polymers. Understanding the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape is crucial for both the inventors and competitors in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Inventors and Assignee: The patent was invented by a team of researchers and assigned to Spriaso LLC.
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers specific oral dosage forms and their manufacturing methods.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger landscape that includes similar inventions and international patent applications.
- Implications: The patent has significant therapeutic and market implications.
- Challenges: The patent's scope must be carefully evaluated to ensure it does not overly restrict future innovations.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 9,066,942?
A: The main focus is on oral dosage forms that combine oxygen-containing active agents with oxyl-containing polymers.
Q: Who are the inventors of this patent?
A: The inventors are Giliyar Chandrashekar, Nachaegari Satish Kumar, Nachiappan Chidambaram, Patel Mahesh V., and Venkateshwaran Srinivansan.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for this invention?
A: Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD) can be used.
Q: How does this patent impact the pharmaceutical market?
A: It introduces innovative formulations that can improve drug delivery, potentially leading to new product lines and market disruption.
Q: What are some of the challenges associated with the scope of this patent?
A: The scope must be carefully evaluated to ensure it does not overly restrict future innovations and to avoid issues related to patent quality and breadth.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO. (2018, October 18). Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Drugs.com: Generic Tuxarin ER Availability - Drugs.com. (2024, November 6). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-tuxarin-er.html
- SSRN: Patent Claims and Patent Scope - Search eLibrary :: SSRN. (2016, September 29). Retrieved from https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Google Patents: US7838032B2 - Sustained release of guaifenesin - Google Patents. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US7838032B2/en
