United States Patent 10,653,660: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 10,653,660, hereafter referred to as the '660 patent, is a significant intellectual property asset owned by Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC. This patent, issued on May 19, 2020, is part of a broader portfolio of patents related to pharmaceutical compositions, particularly those involving doxepin, a medication used for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Issuance and Ownership
The '660 patent was duly and legally issued on May 19, 2020, to Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC. Currax is the owner and exclusive licensee of this patent, holding substantial rights to its use and enforcement[2][5].
Patent Classification
The '660 patent falls under the category of pharmaceutical compositions, specifically related to doxepin formulations. It is classified within the relevant patent classes that pertain to medicinal preparations and therapeutic agents.
Scope of the Patent
Claim Analysis
The scope of the '660 patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected. Claims typically include independent and dependent claims, each serving to narrow down the invention's boundaries.
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Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the broadest scope of the invention. For example, claim 1 might describe a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific amount of doxepin, along with other components such as excipients and stabilizers[5].
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Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional specificity. They might include variations in the formulation, such as different concentrations of doxepin or additional ingredients.
Metrics for Measuring Patent Scope
Research has shown that the scope of a patent can be measured using metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count. Narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process than broader claims[3].
Claims and Specifications
Detailed Description
The '660 patent includes a detailed description of the invention, which provides context for the claims. This section explains the background of the invention, the summary of the invention, and a detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
- Background: This section discusses the existing state of the art in sleep disorder treatments and the limitations of current formulations.
- Summary: A brief overview of the invention, highlighting its key features and improvements over existing technologies.
- Detailed Description: This section provides a comprehensive explanation of the pharmaceutical composition, including the active ingredients, excipients, and the method of preparation.
Drawings and Figures
The patent may include drawings and figures that illustrate the invention. These visual aids help in understanding the composition and its components, as well as any specific processes or apparatuses related to the invention.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The '660 patent is part of a larger portfolio of patents owned by Currax Pharmaceuticals. Other related patents include U.S. Patent No. 7,915,307 ('307 patent), U.S. Patent No. 9,107,898 ('898 patent), and U.S. Patent No. 10,653,662 ('662 patent), among others. These patents collectively protect various aspects of doxepin formulations and their use in treating sleep disorders[2][5].
Global Dossier and International Filings
The '660 patent is likely part of a global patent family, with filings in multiple jurisdictions. The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This service helps in understanding the global reach and protection of the invention[1].
Litigation and Enforcement
The '660 patent has been involved in patent infringement litigation. Currax Pharmaceuticals has filed complaints against other companies, such as MSN Laboratories and MSN Pharmaceuticals, alleging infringement of this and other related patents. These legal actions highlight the importance of this patent in protecting Currax's intellectual property rights[5].
Public Access and Search Tools
USPTO Resources
The USPTO provides several tools for searching and accessing patent information, including the Patent Public Search tool, which replaced legacy search tools like PubEast and PubWest. This tool offers enhanced access to prior art and improves the overall patent searching process[1].
International Patent Databases
To understand the global patent landscape, one can also refer to international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These databases offer access to machine translations and full-text searches of published international patent applications[1].
Key Takeaways
- Ownership and Issuance: The '660 patent is owned by Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC and was issued on May 19, 2020.
- Scope and Claims: The patent's scope is defined by its claims, which include independent and dependent claims specifying the pharmaceutical composition.
- Metrics for Scope: Narrower claims are associated with a higher probability of grant and shorter examination process.
- Related Patents: Part of a larger portfolio of patents protecting doxepin formulations.
- Global Filings: Likely part of a global patent family with filings in multiple jurisdictions.
- Litigation: Involved in patent infringement litigation to protect Currax's intellectual property rights.
FAQs
What is the '660 patent related to?
The '660 patent is related to pharmaceutical compositions, specifically formulations of doxepin used for treating sleep disorders.
Who owns the '660 patent?
The '660 patent is owned by Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC.
When was the '660 patent issued?
The '660 patent was issued on May 19, 2020.
How can I access the full text of the '660 patent?
You can access the full text of the '660 patent through the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool or other patent databases.
Is the '660 patent part of a global patent family?
Yes, the '660 patent is likely part of a global patent family with filings in multiple jurisdictions, accessible through services like the Global Dossier.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Insight.rpxcorp.com - Litigation documents: https://insight.rpxcorp.com/litigation_documents/15306174
- SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- U.S. Department of Commerce - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/uspto
- Insight.rpxcorp.com - Litigation documents: https://insight.rpxcorp.com/litigation_documents/14284236
