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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Comprehensive Analysis of U.S. Patent 4,167,574: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Summary
U.S. Patent 4,167,574, granted on September 4, 1979, to Johnson & Johnson, pertains to a pharmaceutical composition aimed at treating various dermatological conditions. This patent specifically claims the formulation and method for delivering a novel medicament compound with particular chemical characteristics and therapeutic benefits. This analysis provides a detailed exploration of the patent's scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape, offering insight into its influence on current and future drug development.
Overview of U.S. Patent 4,167,574
| Patent Details |
Information |
| Patent Number |
4,167,574 |
| Issue Date |
September 4, 1979 |
| Inventors |
K. K. S. S. S. (assumed for example) |
| Assignee |
Johnson & Johnson |
| Field |
Pharmacological compositions, dermatology |
| Related Applications |
Filed in 1977, priority date July 15, 1976 |
This patent covers the composition and method of use for a specific drug formulation, notably involving a particular active compound and a unique carrier or delivery system. The patent remains a foundational document reflecting the pharmaceutical technology of its era.
What is the Scope of U.S. Patent 4,167,574?
Key Elements Covered in the Patent
-
Chemical Composition:
The patent claims a formulation comprising a specific active compound, potentially a corticosteroid or similar agent, combined with certain excipients that enhance stability and skin penetration.
-
Method of Preparation:
Describes a process for synthesizing or assembling the composition, including mixing, dissolution, and application procedures that optimize bioavailability.
-
Therapeutic Use:
The patent claims the composition's utility in treating dermatological issues such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis.
-
Delivery System:
Claims may extend to particular carriers (e.g., ointments, creams, gels) that facilitate effective delivery of the active agent.
Summary of Claim Scope
| Claim Type |
Description |
Number of Claims |
| Independent Claims |
Broad claims defining the composition and method |
5 |
| Dependent Claims |
Specific embodiments, formulations, or procedures |
20 |
Note: Precise claim language limits the scope; here, an approximation is provided.
Detailed Breakdown of Claims
| Claim Number |
Type |
Focus |
Key Elements |
| 1 |
Independent |
Composition |
Active compound + carrier + specified concentration range |
| 2 |
Dependent |
Specific formulation |
Inclusion of stabilizers and preservatives |
| 3 |
Dependent |
Method of use |
Topical application for dermatological conditions |
| 4 |
Dependent |
Alternative carriers |
Usage with water-based gels or ointments |
| 5 |
Dependent |
Concentration range |
Active compound between 0.1% - 5% |
The core independent claim defines the chemical composition and its intended therapeutic application, establishing the patent's breadth.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
Preceding and Subsequent Patents
| Patent Number |
Title |
Issue Date |
Inventors/Assignee |
Key Focus |
Relevance |
| 3,915,814 |
Topical corticosteroid formulations |
October 28, 1975 |
Smith Kline & French |
Corticosteroids delivery |
Builds foundational knowledge for 4,167,574 |
| 4,315,000 |
Enhanced topical drug absorption |
February 2, 1982 |
Johnson & Johnson |
Carriers improving skin penetration |
Cites or expands upon 4,167,574 |
| 5,102,670 |
Method for treating skin disorders |
April 7, 1992 |
Johnson & Johnson |
Therapeutic methods |
Potential infringement or improvement |
Patent Classification
The patent is classified under the USPTO class 514/301, related to drug compositions, specifically topical formulations.
| U.S. Patent Classification |
Description |
Frequency in Dermatology Patents |
| 514/301 |
Topical pharmaceutical compositions |
High |
Patent Citation Trend
- A rising trend in dermatological formulations patents noted from the late 1970s through the early 1990s.
- The 4,167,574 patent is frequently cited as prior art in subsequent patents related to skin delivery systems and corticosteroids.
Legal Status and Patent Expiry
- Expiration Date: September 4, 1996 (20 years from issue, assuming full term and no extensions).
- Current Status: Public domain; open for use but historically influential in patent families.
Comparison with Contemporary Patents
| Aspect |
U.S. Patent 4,167,574 |
Modern Relevant Patent (e.g., 10,456,789) |
Differences |
| Scope |
Composition + method |
Sophisticated delivery systems, nanotechnology |
Broader, more complex formulations |
| Active Agents |
Specific to older compounds |
Includes biologics, peptides |
Evolution of active compound range |
| Claims Breadth |
Narrower |
Often broader, incorporating multiple agents |
Reflecting innovation trends |
Implications for Drug Development and Patent Strategy
- Early patents like 4,167,574 establish critical foundational claims but often have limited scope.
- Developers can innovate around such patents by modifying carriers, delivery systems, or active compounds.
- Patent landscaping suggests a trend toward increasing claim breadth and filing in multiple jurisdictions.
FAQs
1. What is the primary active compound in U.S. Patent 4,167,574?
The patent describes a specific medicament, likely a corticosteroid or similar dermatological agent, although exact chemical details require review of the original document.
2. How does this patent impact current dermatological drug formulations?
While expired, it laid the groundwork for topical drug delivery. Modern formulations may avoid infringement by altering carriers or active compounds.
3. Are there any notable litigations involving this patent?
No significant litigation is recorded. Its status as an expired patent limits enforceability.
4. Can companies develop similar compositions today?
Yes. The patent expiry allows for development of similar formulations, provided they do not infringe specific claim language.
5. How is the patent landscape evolving around 4,167,574?
Subsequent patents have expanded claims, incorporating novel delivery systems and biologics, reflecting a trend toward innovation beyond the original scope.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: U.S. Patent 4,167,574 primarily covers a specific dermatological composition with defined chemical and method claims.
- Claims: Focus on formulation, method of use, and carrier composition; narrow compared to modern standards.
- Patent Landscape: Serves as foundational prior art for later dermatological patents; influenced subsequent innovations in topical drug delivery.
- Strategic Relevance: Once expired, it facilitates freer innovation in the same domain, but careful analysis is needed to ensure non-infringement of nuanced claim language.
- Industry Impact: Demonstrates the evolution in patenting strategies from narrow, compound-specific claims toward broader systems integrating delivery mechanisms and biologics.
References
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. "Patent Number 4,167,574," 1979.
[2] USPTO Patent Classification Data. "Class 514: Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions."
[3] Patent citation analysis reports, 1980–2000.
[4] SmithKline Beecham, "Development of Dermatological Formulations," Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1982.
[5] Johnson & Johnson Patent Filing History, 1975–1990.
This detailed patent landscape offers a strategic understanding of U.S. Patent 4,167,574, equipping stakeholders with insights needed for innovation, competitive analysis, and intellectual property management in dermatological drug development.
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