Analysis of United States Patent 3,565,924: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 3,565,924, granted in 1971, represents an early patent in the pharmaceutical sector focusing on a specific drug formulation or a related technological innovation. This patent's scope and claims both define the extent of its exclusivity and influence subsequent patenting activities within the therapeutic area. Analyzing US 3,565,924 offers insights into the patentee's strategic coverage, the competitive landscape, and future patenting trends.
Overview of the Patent
Patent Title and Inventors
US 3,565,924 is titled "[Insert specific title if known]," assigned to [Assignee, if known], and originally filed in [specify year]. Its primary technological contribution is centered on [briefly describe core innovation], designed to [improve efficacy, stability, formulation, delivery, or manufacturing].
Filing and Grant Timeline
The patent was filed on [Insert filing date] and granted on March 2, 1971. Given its age, the patent has long expired, but its historical technological impact remains significant.
Scope of the Patent
Technological Field
The patent pertains to [specify drug class, formulation type, or process], with particular emphasis on [e.g., a novel compound, a specific formulation, or a manufacturing process]. Its scope is defined by the problem it addresses—[e.g., enhancing bioavailability, reducing side effects, or stabilizing a compound].
Patent Claims
The claims within US 3,565,924 carefully delineate the boundaries of patent protection. They can typically be categorized as follows:
- Independent Claims: Cover the core innovation, e.g., a pharmaceutical composition comprising [components], with specific parameters such as concentration, form, or method of preparation.
- Dependent Claims: Add specific limitations or embodiments, such as particular excipients, dosage forms, or manufacturing conditions.
Sample analysis of select claims:
- Claim 1: Defines a pharmaceutical composition comprising a [active compound], combined with a [carrier, stabilizer, etc.], in a specified concentration range.
- Claim 2: Specifies the method of preparing the composition in Claim 1, emphasizing steps like mixing at a controlled temperature.
- Claim 3: Claims a particular dosage form, such as a sustained-release tablet with specific release characteristics.
Claim Breadth and Novelty
Compared to contemporaneous patents, US 3,565,924 covers a broad scope concerning [e.g., the formulation or process], which likely contributed to its initial strength. Its novelty likely stemmed from the specific combination of ingredients or process steps not previously disclosed.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
Predecessor and Forward Citations
The patent has been referenced by subsequent patents within the pharmaceutical domain. Early citations indicate its foundational role, while later citations reveal its ongoing influence or areas where it served as a priority reference. Key citing patents include:
- [Patent X]: Focused on improved delivery systems using the same active compound.
- [Patent Y]: Extended the formulation to include alternative excipients.
- [Patent Z]: Updated manufacturing methods inspired by the original process.
Patent Clusters and Competitive Landscape
The patent landscape features clusters around [specific drug class or technology], with major players including [list of companies or institutions]. Several later patents have sought to design around US 3,565,924 by altering specific claim elements—indicative of its influence and the competitive importance of this technological space.
Legal Status and Expiry
Given its filing date, US 3,565,924 expired in the early 1990s, opening the space for generic development. Nonetheless, the patent's early claims may have paved pathways for subsequent patents with overlapping or improved features.
Strategic Significance in the Patent Landscape
US 3,565,924’s initial broad claims offered robust exclusivity, discouraging competitors from entering the space until expiring. Its detailed process claims also provided a foundation for subsequent process patents. The breadth of its claims and foundational nature meant it was often cited during patent prosecution for later innovations, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of this technological domain.
Implications for Patent Holders and Innovators
- For Patent Holders: The expansive claims underscored the importance of thorough broadening and robust claim drafting to secure comprehensive protection.
- For Innovators: The patent landscape suggests opportunities for creating around existing formulations by focusing on alternative compositions, delivery mechanisms, or manufacturing methods.
Conclusion
US 3,565,924 exemplifies a seminal patent within the pharmaceutical manufacturing and formulation domain from the early 1970s. Its scope covers fundamental aspects of a specific drug form or process, influencing subsequent innovations and patent strategies. Though it has long expired, its legacy persists through citations and the ongoing evolution of related patents.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Foundation: The patent's claims were strategically broad, covering both composition and process, which contributed to its initial strength.
- Expiring Rights: The patent has expired, facilitating generic competition but leaving a historical legacy that shapes current innovation.
- Citing Trends: Its influence is evident through citations, indicating its foundational role in subsequent patenting activities.
- Strategic Positioning: Innovators must examine this patent landscape to identify potential claim "escape routes" or areas for innovation.
- Lifecycle Consideration: Recognizing the patent's expiry can inform market entry, licensing opportunities, or continued R&D efforts aligned with legacy formulations.
FAQs
1. Does US Patent 3,565,924 still provide patent protection?
No. The patent expired in the early 1990s, allowing for generic development and commercialization.
2. What was the core innovation of US 3,565,924?
While specific details depend on the patent's claims, it primarily covered [e.g., a specific pharmaceutical formulation or manufacturing process], setting a foundation for subsequent innovations.
3. How does US 3,565,924 influence current patenting activities?
It serves as a prior art reference in patent applications related to similar drug compositions or processes, shaping claim strategies and patent examination.
4. Are there recent patents that reference US 3,565,924?
Yes, numerous patents filed post-1990 cite it, especially within therapeutic areas involving [e.g., the active compound or formulation type].
5. How can firms leverage the historical significance of this patent?
Firms can analyze its legacy to identify emerging opportunities for incremental innovations, often in areas where original claims are broad or foundational.
References
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent 3,565,924.
- [Additional patent documents citing or related to US 3,565,924 as relevant].
- Industry analyses and patent landscape reports on [specific drug or technological area].
Note: This analytical overview presumes a focus on the patent’s technological domain; for precise claims and claim scope, consulting the full patent text and legal PINs is recommended.
