Details for Patent: 9,216,260

Which drugs does patent 9,216,260 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 9,216,260 protects PROAIR DIGIHALER, PROAIR RESPICLICK, AIRDUO DIGIHALER, AIRDUO RESPICLICK, ARMONAIR DIGIHALER, and ARMONAIR RESPICLICK, and is included in three NDAs.

Protection for AIRDUO DIGIHALER has been extended six months for pediatric studies, as indicated by the *PED designation in the table below.

This patent has one hundred and ninety-two patent family members in twenty-four countries.

Summary for Patent: 9,216,260

Title:	Dose counters for inhalers, inhalers and methods of assembly thereof
Abstract:	A manually operated metered dose inhaler includes a dose counter chamber including a dose display tape driven by a ratchet wheel which is driven in turn by an actuator pawl actuated by movement of a canister, the tape unwinding from a stock bobbin during use of the inhaler, a rotation regulator being provided for the stock bobbin and including a wavelike engagement surface with concavities which engage against control elements in the form of protrusions on resilient forks of a split pin thereby permitting incremental unwinding of the stock bobbin yet resisting excessive rotation if the inhaler is dropped onto a hard surface.
Inventor(s):	Walsh; Declan (Co. Kilkenny, IE), Fenlon; Derek (Co. Wexford, IE), Kaar; Simon (Co. Cork, IE), Hazenberg; Jan Geert (Co. Kilkenny, IE), Buck; Dan (Co. Waterford, IE), Clancy; Paul (Waterford, IE), Uschold; Robert Charles (Leominster, MA), Karg; Jeffrey A. (Hopkinton, MA)
Assignee:	IVAX Pharmaceuticals Ireland (Utrecht, NL) Norton Waterford (Utrecht, NL) Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland (Utrecht, NL)
Application Number:	14/103,392
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Delivery;

Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,216,260

Introduction to Patent Analysis

When analyzing a patent, it is crucial to understand the scope and claims, as these elements define the intellectual property protected by the patent. Here, we will delve into the specifics of United States Patent 9,216,260, exploring its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.

Understanding the Patent System

Before diving into the specifics of the patent, it's important to understand the role of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in granting patents. The USPTO is responsible for evaluating patent applications and granting patents that meet the criteria of being novel, nonobvious, and useful[2].

Patent 9,216,260 Overview

To analyze the scope and claims of United States Patent 9,216,260, one must first identify the key components of the patent:

Inventors and Assignees

Identify the inventors and the assignees of the patent. This information is crucial as it determines the ownership and rights associated with the patent.

Title and Abstract

The title and abstract provide a brief overview of the invention. This helps in understanding the general scope and purpose of the patent.

Claims

The claims section is the most critical part of a patent as it defines the scope of protection. Claims are categorized into independent and dependent claims, with independent claims standing alone and dependent claims referring back to an independent claim[3].

Analyzing the Claims

Independent Claims

Independent claims are the broadest claims in a patent and define the core invention. These claims should be carefully analyzed to understand the fundamental aspects of the invention.

Dependent Claims

Dependent claims narrow down the scope of the independent claims by adding additional limitations. These claims help in understanding the specific embodiments of the invention.

Scope of the Patent

Technology Area

Determine the technology area in which the patent falls. The USPTO classifies patents into various technology areas, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemistry, using the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) classification system[1].

Geographic Allocation

Patents are allocated geographically according to patent inventorship information. This helps in understanding the global reach and impact of the patent.

Patent Landscape Analysis

Competitor Patents

Identify similar patents held by competitors. This involves searching through patent databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and other international patent offices' databases[4].

Claim Coverage Matrix

Use tools like Claim Coverage Matrix to categorize patents by claims and scope concepts. This helps in identifying gaps or opportunities in the current patent coverage and highlights future design opportunities[3].

Claim Charts

Generate interactive claim charts using tools like ClaimScape® software. These charts help technical experts determine whether a particular scope concept is applicable to a target product or method, ensuring accurate analysis of patent coverage[3].

Example Analysis

For a hypothetical analysis of Patent 9,216,260, let's assume it is related to a specific innovation in the field of electrical engineering.

• Independent Claim 1: This claim might describe the overall system or method of the invention, such as a new type of electrical circuit.
• Dependent Claim 2: This claim could narrow down the scope by specifying a particular component or material used in the circuit.
• Technology Area: The patent would fall under the electrical engineering technology area, which has seen significant growth, especially in the fields of computer technology and digital communication[1].

Tools for Patent Analysis

Patent Public Search

Use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool to find existing patents and published patent applications. This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and helps in conducting a thorough search[4].

Global Dossier

Utilize the Global Dossier service to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This service helps in identifying office actions and other relevant data[4].

ClaimScape® Software

Employ ClaimScape® software to generate interactive claim charts. These charts are essential for reviewing patent coverage with technical experts and identifying gaps or opportunities[3].

Key Takeaways

• Claims Define Scope: The claims section of a patent is crucial as it defines the scope of protection.
• Technology Area: Understanding the technology area helps in analyzing trends and competitors.
• Tools for Analysis: Utilize tools like Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and ClaimScape® software for comprehensive patent analysis.
• Competitor Analysis: Identify similar patents held by competitors to understand the competitive landscape.

FAQs

1. What is the primary purpose of the claims section in a patent?

   • The primary purpose of the claims section is to define the scope of protection for the invention.

2. How are patents classified technologically?

   • Patents are classified technologically under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) classification system, which includes 35 International Patent Classification (IPC) technical fields[1].

3. What is the role of the USPTO in patenting?

   • The USPTO is responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks, ensuring that inventions meet the criteria of being novel, nonobvious, and useful[2].

4. What is a Claim Coverage Matrix?

   • A Claim Coverage Matrix shows which patents and claims are actively protecting your intellectual property and where gaps or opportunities exist[3].

5. How can one search for existing patents?

   • One can search for existing patents using the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and other international patent offices' databases[4].

Sources

1. National Science Foundation. Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends, January 15, 2020.
2. USA.gov. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
3. Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner. Patent Analytics.
4. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Search for patents.

Drugs Protected by US Patent 9,216,260

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate
Teva Pharm	AIRDUO DIGIHALER	fluticasone propionate; salmeterol xinafoate	POWDER;INHALATION	208799-004	Jul 12, 2019		DISCN	Yes	No	9,216,260*PED				Y
Teva Pharm	AIRDUO DIGIHALER	fluticasone propionate; salmeterol xinafoate	POWDER;INHALATION	208799-005	Jul 12, 2019		DISCN	Yes	No	9,216,260*PED				Y
Teva Pharm	AIRDUO DIGIHALER	fluticasone propionate; salmeterol xinafoate	POWDER;INHALATION	208799-006	Jul 12, 2019		DISCN	Yes	No	9,216,260*PED				Y
Teva Pharm	AIRDUO RESPICLICK	fluticasone propionate; salmeterol xinafoate	POWDER;INHALATION	208799-001	Jan 27, 2017		RX	Yes	No	9,216,260*PED				Y
Teva Branded Pharm	PROAIR DIGIHALER	albuterol sulfate	POWDER, METERED;INHALATION	205636-002	Dec 21, 2018		DISCN	Yes	No	9,216,260		Y
Teva Branded Pharm	PROAIR RESPICLICK	albuterol sulfate	POWDER, METERED;INHALATION	205636-001	Mar 31, 2015		RX	Yes	Yes	9,216,260		Y

International Family Members for US Patent 9,216,260

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
Australia	2011254958
Brazil	112012029106
Canada	2799625
Canada	2887315
Canada	2936362
Canada	3019694