United States Patent 9,474,746: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 9,474,746, titled "Methods for stabilizing oxidatively unstable compositions," was granted to Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. on October 25, 2016. This patent is significant in the field of ophthalmic compositions and provides innovative methods for stabilizing components that are prone to oxidation. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent describes methods for stabilizing oxidatively unstable compositions, particularly in the context of ophthalmic products. The inventors, Shivkumar Mahadevan, Frank Molock, and Vandeeta Khanolkar, developed techniques to prevent the degradation of sensitive components, such as ketotifen, which is commonly used in eye care products[5].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific methods and compositions protected by the patent. Here are the key aspects:
Claims
The patent includes six claims that detail the methods and compositions for stabilizing oxidatively unstable components:
- Claim 1: A method for stabilizing an oxidatively unstable composition, comprising combining the composition with a stabilizing agent.
- Claim 2: The method of claim 1, where the stabilizing agent is selected from a group of antioxidants.
- Claim 3: The method of claim 1, where the oxidatively unstable composition includes ketotifen.
- Claim 4: A stabilized ophthalmic composition comprising an oxidatively unstable active ingredient and a stabilizing agent.
- Claim 5: The composition of claim 4, where the active ingredient is ketotifen.
- Claim 6: The composition of claim 4, where the stabilizing agent is an antioxidant[5].
Protected Compositions and Methods
The patent protects specific compositions and methods involving the stabilization of oxidatively unstable ingredients. This includes the use of antioxidants to prevent degradation and the application of these stabilized compositions in ophthalmic products.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent cites several prior art documents, including international patents and applications from various countries such as Japan, Europe, and the United States. These prior art references indicate a rich history of research in stabilizing oxidatively unstable compositions, but the specific methods and compositions described in this patent are novel and non-obvious[2].
Global Patent Family
The patent is part of a global patent family, with related applications filed in multiple jurisdictions. This is evident from the citations of various international patent applications and grants, such as those from the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[2].
Technological Classification
The patent falls under the International Patent Classification (IPC) system, specifically within the categories related to pharmaceutical and ophthalmic compositions. This classification helps in understanding the technological field and the broader trends in patenting within this area[4].
Search and Analysis Tools
To conduct a thorough analysis of this patent and its landscape, several tools and resources are available:
USPTO Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is a powerful resource for searching prior art and related patents. This tool replaced legacy search tools and provides enhanced access to prior art, which is crucial for understanding the novelty and non-obviousness of the patented methods[1].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service allows users to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This service is useful for tracking the patent family and understanding the global patent landscape for this invention[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The CCD application consolidates citation data from participating IP Offices, enabling a comprehensive view of the prior art cited for the patent family. This tool helps in identifying the key references and the international harmonization of patent examination[1].
Economic and Innovation Trends
The patenting activity in the field of ophthalmic compositions reflects broader trends in innovation and intellectual property protection. According to the National Science Foundation's report on invention trends, patents in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals have seen significant growth, indicating a high level of innovation in these areas[4].
Key Takeaways
- Novel Methods: The patent introduces novel methods for stabilizing oxidatively unstable compositions, particularly in ophthalmic products.
- Global Patent Family: The patent is part of a global patent family with related applications in multiple jurisdictions.
- Technological Classification: The patent falls under specific IPC categories related to pharmaceutical and ophthalmic compositions.
- Economic Impact: The patent reflects broader trends in innovation and intellectual property protection in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 9,474,746?
The main subject of this patent is methods for stabilizing oxidatively unstable compositions, particularly in ophthalmic products.
Who are the inventors of this patent?
The inventors are Shivkumar Mahadevan, Frank Molock, and Vandeeta Khanolkar.
What is the significance of the stabilizing agents mentioned in the patent?
The stabilizing agents, such as antioxidants, are crucial for preventing the degradation of sensitive components like ketotifen in ophthalmic compositions.
How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
The patent is part of a global patent family with related applications filed in multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, Japan, and other countries.
What tools can be used to conduct a thorough analysis of this patent?
Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD) can be used for a comprehensive analysis.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- United States Patent - googleapis.com. Retrieved from https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/97/90/3f/5e11d3c3c7377c/US9474746.pdf
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends. Retrieved from https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20204/invention-u-s-and-comparative-global-trends
- Methods for stabilizing oxidatively unstable compositions - Google Patents. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US9474746B2/en
