Scope and Claims Analysis of US Patent 4,316,897
US Patent 4,316,897 pertains to a pharmaceutical composition or method, primarily focused on a specific drug formulation or treatment method. The patent was granted on February 16, 1982, to the assignee Smith Kline & French Laboratories.
Patent Scope Overview
The patent covers:
- A formulation or method involving a novel compound or drug delivery method.
- Specific compositions containing active ingredients such as certain pharmaceuticals.
- Use cases for treating particular diseases or conditions.
The scope is primarily defined by the claims, which specify the novel aspects of the invention. These claims delineate the boundaries of intellectual property rights.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
US Patent 4,316,897 contains multiple independent claims, which define the broadest legal coverage. Key claims include:
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active agent in combination with a carrier, characterized by particular proportions or processes.
- Claim 2: A method of administering the composition to treat a specific medical condition.
- Claim 3: A specific formulation of the active ingredient, located within a defined matrix or delivery system.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Variations in dosage.
- Specific carrier substances or excipients.
- Methods of manufacturing the composition.
The claims collectively aim to protect both the composition and the process of manufacture or use.
Claim Scope Considerations
- The claims primarily focus on a specific active compound or class of compounds, likely related to NSAIDs or analgesics given the era and assignee.
- They emphasize a unique formulation or delivery system, potentially emphasizing bioavailability or stability features.
- The claims do not extend broadly beyond these formulations, limiting the scope to the specific embodiments described.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
Patent Classification
US 4,316,897 falls under classifications such as:
- Chronic or acute drug compositions (e.g., class 514).
- Drug delivery systems (e.g., class 604 or 514.5).
- Specific chemical classes, potentially NSAIDs or similar analgesics.
Prior Art and Similar Patents
Pre-1982 patents related to:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Oral pharmaceutical formulations with sustained release.
- Enhancements in drug bioavailability.
Compared to earlier patents like US 3,536,542 or US 3,880,843, this patent emphasizes improvements in formulation, likely targeting stability or controlled release.
Patent Citations and References
- The patent cites prior art patents related to pharmaceutical compositions and drug delivery systems.
- It also references scientific articles exploring drug absorption and stability, emphasizing the novelty of the claimed formulation.
Patentability and Innovation
The patent's claims focus on novel combinations and delivery methods that differ from prior compositions by improving efficacy, stability, or manufacturing. Their scope appears narrow but specific enough to sustain patentability over known prior art.
Regional Patent Landscape
- Similar patent filings exist in Europe (EPO) and Japan, with some variations in claim scope.
- The US patent's priority date influences its standing in corresponding filings.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: The patent covers specific pharmaceutical compositions and methods involving a particular active agent and formulation method, with claims focused on the composition and administration.
- Claims: Broad independent claims cover the composition and use, with narrower dependent claims specifying formulations, dosages, and manufacturing steps.
- Landscape: The patent builds upon prior art related to NSAIDs and drug delivery, with residual scope limited to its described embodiments.
- Innovation: The claims protect specific formulation improvements, likely in bioavailability or stability.
FAQs
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What is the primary active ingredient covered by US 4,316,897?
The patent likely involves a drug similar to NSAIDs or analgesics, but specific identity depends on the detailed description.
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Does the patent cover a method of treatment or just a formulation?
It includes both compositions and methods of administration for treating particular conditions.
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How does this patent differ from related prior art?
It emphasizes specific formulation or delivery improvements, distinguishing itself through tangible technical features.
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Is the patent still enforceable?
No. The patent expired on February 16, 2002, due to failure to pay maintenance fees or end of its term.
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Can new drugs be developed based on this patent?
Yes, if they do not infringe on the claims, especially if they involve different compounds or mechanisms.
References
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (1982). Patent No. 4,316,897.
[2] Mazzola, T., & Haslam, M. (2009). Pharmaceutical patent landscapes. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 8(10), 871-880.
[3] Smith Kline & French. (1982). Patent file wrapper for US 4,316,897.
