Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 11,173,134
Introduction
The United States Patent 11,173,134, titled "Methods for the treatment of depression," is a significant patent that outlines innovative methods and dosing regimens for treating depression, particularly treatment-resistant depression. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and patent landscape of this patent.
Background
The patent, assigned to Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, is a continuation of several earlier patent applications, highlighting the evolutionary nature of the research and development in this field. The patent application history includes U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/727,594, filed on December 26, 2019, and earlier applications dating back to 2014[5].
Field of the Invention
The patent falls within the field of medical treatments, specifically focusing on methods for treating depression. This includes both the administration of specific medications and the dosing regimens associated with them. The invention aims to address the need for effective treatments for depression, particularly for cases that are resistant to conventional therapies.
Claims Analysis
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects of these claims:
Independent Claims
- The independent claims outline the core methods of treating depression. For example, Claim 1 might describe a method involving the administration of a specific compound or combination of compounds, along with a detailed dosing regimen[5].
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims build upon the independent claims by adding additional steps or specifications. These claims might include specific patient populations (e.g., patients with treatment-resistant depression), dosing schedules, or monitoring protocols.
Practical Application
- To be patent-eligible, the claims must integrate abstract ideas into practical applications. In this case, the claims specify the use of particular compounds and dosing regimens to treat depression, which provides a concrete technological improvement. For instance, the method might involve administering Compound X in a specific dosage over a defined period, which is a practical application that goes beyond mere abstract ideas[1].
Subject Matter Eligibility
The subject matter eligibility of the claims in this patent is crucial. According to recent USPTO guidance, claims must integrate judicial exceptions (such as abstract ideas or natural phenomena) into practical applications to be eligible for patent protection. In the context of this patent:
- Integration into Practical Application: The claims specify the use of particular compounds and dosing regimens, which are applied in a real-world setting to treat depression. This integration transforms the abstract idea of treating depression into a patent-eligible method by providing a concrete technological improvement[1].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is essential for assessing the value and coverage of this patent.
Claim Coverage Matrix
A Claim Coverage Matrix can help in categorizing the patents and claims by scope concepts, which can link claims on similar patents. This tool is particularly useful for large portfolios, as it helps in identifying gaps or opportunities in the patent coverage. For example, if the claims in this patent are categorized by the type of compounds used or the dosing regimens, it can help in determining whether there are similar patents that cover overlapping technologies[3].
Interactive Claim Charts
Interactive claim charts generated by tools like ClaimScape® can facilitate the review of patent coverage with technical experts. These charts can help in determining whether a particular scope concept is applicable to a target product or method, thereby identifying any gaps in the current coverage and highlighting future design opportunities[3].
Real-World Applications
The real-world applications of the claimed methods are a critical factor in their patent eligibility. For instance:
- Improved Treatment Outcomes: The methods described in the patent aim to improve treatment outcomes for patients with depression, particularly those with treatment-resistant depression. By specifying the use of particular compounds and dosing regimens, the patent provides a tangible benefit in the form of improved accuracy and efficacy in treating depression[5].
Statistics and Industry Impact
The impact of this patent can be significant in the pharmaceutical industry. Here are some illustrative statistics and quotes:
- Prevalence of Depression: Depression affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, depression is a leading cause of disability globally, highlighting the need for effective treatments.
- Treatment Resistance: A substantial portion of patients with depression do not respond to conventional treatments, making the development of new methods and dosing regimens crucial. This patent addresses this gap by providing innovative treatment approaches.
Key Takeaways
- Practical Application: The claims must integrate abstract ideas into practical applications to be patent-eligible.
- Real-World Benefits: The specified use of compounds and dosing regimens provides tangible benefits in treating depression.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding the patent landscape through tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and interactive claim charts is essential for managing and leveraging the patent portfolio.
- Industry Impact: The patent has the potential to significantly impact the treatment of depression, addressing a critical need in the pharmaceutical industry.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of United States Patent 11,173,134?
A: The primary focus is on methods and dosing regimens for treating depression, particularly treatment-resistant depression.
Q: How does the patent ensure subject matter eligibility?
A: The patent ensures subject matter eligibility by integrating abstract ideas into practical applications, such as specifying the use of particular compounds and dosing regimens to treat depression.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for this patent?
A: Tools such as Claim Coverage Matrix and interactive claim charts can be used to analyze the patent landscape and identify gaps or opportunities in the patent coverage.
Q: What is the significance of real-world applications in patent eligibility?
A: Real-world applications are crucial as they transform abstract ideas into patent-eligible methods by providing concrete technological improvements and tangible benefits.
Q: How does this patent impact the pharmaceutical industry?
A: This patent addresses a critical need for effective treatments for depression, particularly for treatment-resistant cases, and has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sources
- Understanding the 2024 USPTO Guidance Update on AI Patent - Mintz
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) - USA.gov
- Patent Analytics - Schwegman
- US11173134B2 - Methods for the treatment of depression - Google Patents
- Methods for the treatment of depression - Justia Patents
- Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders - World Health Organization (Note: This source is not directly cited in the text but is used for contextual information)
