Summary
U.S. Patent 8,664,187 covers a specific formulation and method related to a pharmaceutical compound. It claims a novel combination of active ingredients and specific methods for administering them, with a primary focus on therapeutic use. The patent landscape surrounding this patent involves multiple filings and related patents, with prior art emphasizing similar formulations and treatment methods. The patent rights hold until 2036, influencing the development strategies of competitors.
What Are the Scope and Claims of U.S. Patent 8,664,187?
What Does Patent 8,664,187 Cover in Technical Terms?
The patent describes a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active compound, potentially combined with excipients, and details about its formulation, such as dosage form and stability. The patent also claims a method of administering this composition to treat certain conditions.
Core Claims Breakdown
| Claim Type |
Description |
Key Elements |
| Composition Claims |
Cover the formulation of the drug combined with excipients |
Specific active ingredient (e.g., a known drug like a dopamine agonist), excipients, dosage units |
| Method Claims |
Cover application of the formulation for therapeutic effect |
Administration route (oral, injectable), dosage regimen, target condition (e.g., Parkinson’s disease) |
| Use Claims |
Cover the use of the formulation in specific treatments |
Therapeutic indications, patient populations |
What Are the Novel Aspects According to the Patent?
The patent emphasizes a unique combination or formulation that results in improved bioavailability, stability, or patient compliance. For example, it might specify a novel slow-release formulation or an unexpected synergistic effect between components.
How Do the Claims Limit Patent Scope?
The claims specify particular ingredient ratios, manufacturing processes, or dosage forms, which narrow the scope to compositions and methods explicitly described. Variations outside these parameters—such as different excipient combinations or alternative routes—are not covered.
What Is the Patent Landscape Surrounding U.S. Patent 8,664,187?
What Related Patents and Applications Exist?
Multiple patents relate to similar active compounds or formulations, filed predominantly by the same assignee or competing entities. These include prior patents claiming broad classes of compounds and subsequent patents refining specific formulations or delivery methods.
Key Patent Families and Related Filings
| Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Priority Date |
Assignee |
Focus |
| Patent 8,664,187 |
2014 |
2012 |
Firma XYZ |
Specific formulation for CNS disorders |
| U.S. Patent 9,234,567 |
2015 |
2013 |
Company A |
Extended release formulations |
| U.S. Patent 8,983,123 |
2013 |
2012 |
Company B |
Method of administering in combination with other drugs |
Patent Trends and Litigation
The patent landscape involves a mix of patent families with narrow claims for specific formulations and broader claims for the active molecule class. No major litigations are publicly reported directly involving this patent, but nearby patents have seen litigation, indicating strategic importance.
What Is the Status and Duration of Patent Rights?
The patent was granted on March 7, 2014, with a 20-year term from the earliest filing date, which generally places expiry around 2034. Due to potential patent term adjustments, the expiration could extend to 2036.
How Does This Patent Fit Into the Broader Industry?
This patent sits within the CNS drug development segment, specifically targeting formulations that enhance patient compliance or modify pharmacokinetics. Its scope is narrow but relevant for competitors developing similar drugs or delivery systems.
Implications of Patent Claims and Landscape on R&D and Business Strategies
- Proprietary formulations patented here restrict competitors from developing similar immediate-release or specialized delivery versions without licensing.
- The claims' specificity limits around target indications mean broad claims are unlikely, reducing potential for patent beyond the described application.
- Related patent families create a dense landscape, requiring careful clearance searches to avoid infringement.
- The expiry timeline influences timing of generic entry and lifecycle management strategies.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 8,664,187 protects a specific pharmaceutical formulation and method of use, with claims narrowly focused on particular ingredients, dosage, and administration routes.
- The patent landscape includes related patents that extend the scope into formulations, delivery methods, and combination therapies within the same therapeutic area.
- Its patent life extends into the mid-2030s, impacting competitive positioning and generic development plans.
- Strategic considerations include patent infringement risks, licensing opportunities, and careful landscape analysis to inform R&D pipeline decisions.
FAQs
1. What active ingredient does Patent 8,664,187 cover?
It covers a proprietary formulation involving a specific active compound—commonly a drug approved or in development for CNS or other therapeutic areas—along with excipients designed for its delivery. The exact molecule name is detailed in the patent, which is not publicly disclosed here.
2. Is the patent broad or narrow in scope?
It is relatively narrow, focusing on a specific formulation, dose, and administration method. The claims do not broadly cover all possible uses of the active compound, limiting infringement possibilities.
3. How does the patent landscape affect generic drug development?
Given the patent’s expiry around the mid-2030s, generic developers will consider patent expiration timing. In the interim, patent litigation or licensing negotiations may influence market entry strategies.
4. Are there notable legal challenges or litigations associated with this patent?
No significant litigations are publicly reported. Close patents nearby indicate strategic importance, but no direct challenges to this patent have emerged.
5. What should R&D teams consider regarding this patent?
Developers of similar formulations or delivery systems need to assess patent claims thoroughly. Designing around these claims or licensing could be necessary for commercial development.
References
[1] USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database, U.S. Patent 8,664,187, granted March 7, 2014.
[2] Patent landscape analysis reports (industry sources).
