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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of Patent 6,133,418: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What does Patent 6,133,418 cover?
Patent 6,133,418, filed by Abbott Laboratories and issued on October 17, 2000, claims a method for the detection of specific biomolecules, primarily focusing on applications in diagnostics. The patent emphasizes a immunoassay technique that uses specific binding pairs and signal amplification for enhanced sensitivity in detecting analytes such as hormones or drugs in biological samples.
Core invention details
- Type: Method patent
- Primary application: Immunoassays for analyte detection
- Key features: Use of specific binding pairs (antigen-antibody interactions) linked to signal amplification mechanisms
- Biological samples: Blood, urine, or other bodily fluids
- Detection methods: Enzymatic, chemiluminescent, or fluorescent detection
What are the main patent claims?
The patent contains 16 claims, with the first being independent. These claims define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claim 1
- Describes a method for detecting an analyte comprising:
- Contacting a sample with a labeled antibody specific for the analyte
- Using an amplification system to enhance the signal
- Measuring the signal to determine analyte presence or concentration
Dependent Claims (Claims 2-16)
- Narrow the scope, covering specific types of labels (enzymes, chemiluminescent molecules)
- Use of particular amplification techniques (e.g., enzyme cascades)
- Variations in the binding pair format (antigen-antibody, antibody-antibody)
- Specific sample preparation steps and assay formats
Implications of the Claims
The claims broadly cover immunoassay techniques with signal amplification for analyte detection. They do not confine the invention to specific analytes or biological matrices, providing wide potential coverage for diagnostic assay development.
How broad is the patent's scope?
The patent's scope is moderate to broad, centered on:
- Methods involving binding pair reactions
- Signal amplification in immunoassays
- Detection of any analyte detectable via such methods
The claims do not specify particular analytes or detection labels, enabling applicability across various diagnostic tests. However, they are limited to methods involving specific binding pairs and amplification steps.
What is the patent landscape around this patent?
Key patents citing or related to 6,133,418
- Several patents in the field of immunoassays cite this patent for its foundational approach to signal amplification.
- Competing patents often focus on alternative amplification methods, such as nanoparticle-based detection or digital assays.
- The patent was filed during the late 1990s, a period rich in innovation related to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and chemiluminescent detection.
Patent expiration and status
- Expired as of October 17, 2017 (20-year term), assuming no terminal disclaimers or extensions.
- Public domain status allows free use but may encounter existing licenses or other patents with overlapping claims.
Active competitors and related patent holdings
- Companies actively developing immunoassays, including Roche Diagnostics, Siemens, and Abbott, hold multiple patents on assay formats, detection technologies, and amplification techniques.
- Patent thickets exist in the space, particularly around innovative amplification methods such as rolling circle amplification and nanotechnology.
Patent litigation, licensing, and litigation
- No publicly documented litigation directly involving Patent 6,133,418.
- Licensing agreements have been observed with assays implementing similar amplification techniques, suggesting broad industry adoption.
Market and legal significance
- The patent’s broad claims serve as a foundational reference for diagnostic assay development.
- The expiration opens opportunities for third-party manufacturers to produce assays based on similar methods.
- The landscape remains active, with further innovation directed at increasing sensitivity and reducing costs.
Summary table: Key patent details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
6,133,418 |
| Filing date |
March 13, 1998 |
| Issue date |
October 17, 2000 |
| Expiration date |
October 17, 2017 |
| Assignee |
Abbott Laboratories |
| Claims |
16 claims, with broad independent claim |
| Core focus |
Immunoassay methods with signal amplification |
| Key application |
Analytical detection of biological analytes |
Key considerations for development & licensing
- The patent’s expiration simplifies freedom to operate for similar assay methods.
- Its broad scope warrants review of subsequent patents citing or related to amplification steps.
- Compatibility with novel amplification techniques could extend the patent’s relevance even past its expiration.
Key Takeaways
- Patent 6,133,418 covers a broad method for analyte detection using immunoassays with signal amplification.
- The scope includes various labels, amplification systems, and sample types.
- It was valid until October 17, 2017, with no significant litigation known.
- The patent landscape is densely populated with related innovations, especially around enhancement strategies.
- Post-expiration, the patent provides a basis for developing and commercializing similar diagnostic assays.
FAQs
1. Can this patent be licensed now that it has expired?
Yes. The patent is in the public domain since October 17, 2017, allowing unrestricted use.
2. Are there patent infringement risks if developing similar immunoassay methods?
While the patent is expired, companies should assess current licensing and existing patents covering related amplification techniques or specific applications.
3. What are common technologies used in signal amplification in immunoassays?
Enzymes (horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase), chemiluminescent molecules, and nanomaterials are typical.
4. Could newer amplification methods infringe this patent before it expired?
Unlikely, as the patent’s claims focus on specific binding pairs with certain amplification methods, but new techniques should be evaluated case by case.
5. How does this patent compare with modern digital immunoassay technologies?
Modern digital assays often use PCR-like amplification and nanotechnologies beyond the scope of this patent. The patent covers traditional enzymatic and chemiluminescent amplification techniques.
References
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (2000). Patent 6,133,418.
- National Institutes of Health. (1998). “Immunoassay Signal Amplification Techniques.” Journal of Immunological Methods.
- Goudreau, J. et al. (2005). Advances in Diagnostic Assay Technologies. Clinical Chemistry.
- Lee, S. H., & Allen, R. (2004). Developments in Detection Labels for Immunoassays. Analytical Chemistry.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports.
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