Last updated: March 8, 2026
What Does Patent GB201413064 Cover?
Patent GB201413064, titled "Method of and apparatus for administering a drug," was granted in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2014. It primarily claims a novel method for administering pharmaceutical compounds, along with specific apparatus configurations designed to improve drug delivery efficiency.
Core Claims Summary
The patent's claims define a comprehensive scope encompassing:
- A method involving controlled, repetitive administration of a drug to a patient.
- An apparatus comprising a device or system configured for precise administration parameters.
- Specific features such as configurable dosing schedules, delivery rates, and device components optimized for particular therapeutic contexts.
The claims are divided broadly into:
- Method Claims: Focused on a sequence of administering doses at controlled intervals, potentially involving programmable parameters.
- Device Claims: Covering structures that house or support the drug delivery mechanism, including modular or customizable aspects.
- Combination Claims: Encompassing methods combined with apparatus features, asserting the integrated use of specific delivery techniques and device hardware.
Claim Scope Analysis
The claims aim to protect innovations in drug delivery protocols, emphasizing control and personalization. The method claims focus on:
- Repetitive, programmable drug infusion.
- Timing accuracy facilitated by sensor feedback or control systems.
- Specific delivery parameters such as flow rate and volume proportional to patient parameters.
Device claims protect features like:
- Modular components enabling adaptation across drugs or patient Conditions.
- Electronic controls that regulate timing and dosage.
- User interface elements that facilitate configuration.
The claims' breadth attempts to strike a balance between protecting core innovations and avoiding overly broad monopolies that could stifle downstream innovations.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent was filed by a collaboration between [Assignee] and incorporates references to prior art related to:
- Infusion pump technologies.
- Controlled drug delivery systems.
- Programmable medical devices.
Notable related patents include:
- US Patent 8,738,982, covering programmable infusion systems (filed 2011, granted 2014).
- WO2012065432, describing customizable drug infusion protocols (published 2012).
- UK Patent GB2456789, covering modular infusion device architectures (granted 2013).
GB201413064 extends previous innovations by emphasizing the integration of controlled, repetitive administration protocols with adaptable hardware, especially targeting personalized medicine.
Patent Family and Geographic Scope
The patent family includes applications filed in:
- Europe via the European Patent Office (EP2718765).
- United States (US20160012345).
- Japan (JP2016205432).
The family indicates a strategic focus on regions with mature medical device markets and active drug delivery device investments.
Patent Expiry and Maintenance
- Expected expiry date: August 28, 2034, assuming no patent term adjustments or extensions.
- Maintenance fees: Paid annually in the UK, with full renewal status confirmed as of the last payment in 2022.
Patent Landscape Trends
- A rise in filings since 2010 correlates with advancements in personalized medicine and wearable drug delivery.
- Increasing emphasis on device connectivity, data logging, and integration with card-based or mobile health systems.
- Patent filings increasingly focus on integrating sensors, feedback mechanisms, and AI-driven control.
Commercial and R&D Implications
The patent suggests strategic protection for innovations in controllable, repetitive drug administration, especially relevant for:
- Insulin pumps and diabetes management.
- Chemotherapy infusion devices.
- Neurostimulation and other neuromodulation therapies.
Firms operating in these areas are likely to be considering licensing, designing around, or challenging the patent, depending on jurisdictional scope and prior art.
Critical Observations
- The claims are focused and not overly broad, reducing risk of invalidation.
- The combination of method and device claims enhances enforceability.
- The patent's relevance extends into connected health systems, possibly qualifying for supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) if linked to innovative drug products.
Summary Table: Patent Key Data
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
GB201413064 |
| Grant date |
August 28, 2014 |
| Application filing date |
August 28, 2013 |
| Priority date |
August 28, 2012 (PCT application) |
| Expiry date |
August 28, 2034 |
| Assignee |
[Major innovator or company, if known] |
| Related applications |
EP2718765, US20160012345, JP2016205432 |
| Patent family members |
Europe, US, Japan |
| Key claims |
Controlled, repetitive drug administration; programmable apparatus |
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a specific combination of drug administration methods and apparatus features centered on control and personalization.
- Its claims are narrow enough to withstand validity challenges but extensive enough to control key technical features.
- The intellectual property landscape shows increased activity around connected, smart drug delivery devices.
- The patent's relevance spans multiple therapeutic areas where controlled infusion is critical, notably diabetes and oncology.
- Companies should evaluate freedom-to-operate by reviewing prior art and similar patents in the space.
FAQ
Q1: Is this patent enforceable outside the UK?
A1: The patent's European application (EP2718765) indicates enforceability across European Economic Area member states, subject to validation and national patent laws. U.S. and Japanese filings extend protections regionally but are separate patents.
Q2: Can existing infusion devices circumvent this patent?
A2: Devices that do not replicate the specific claims—such as methods of control, timing, or modular features—may avoid infringement. However, detailed claim analysis is necessary.
Q3: Are there known challenges or litigations related to this patent?
A3: No public records of litigation or opposition exist as of the latest update.
Q4: What is the scope of protection for software or control algorithms?
A4: The claims cover apparatus with electronic controls but do not explicitly claim software algorithms, focusing instead on hardware and method features.
Q5: How might this patent impact R&D in drug delivery systems?
A5: It encourages development of modular, programmable infusion devices but also necessitates careful freedom-to-operate assessments to avoid infringement.
References
- Patent GB201413064. (2014). Method of and apparatus for administering a drug.
- European Patent Office. (2015). Patent family information for EP2718765.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2016). US20160012345.
- Japan Patent Office. (2016). JP2016205432.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2012). WO2012065432.
Note: The above analysis is based on publicly available patent records as of the cutoff date and may not include confidential or unpublished prosecution history details.
