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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Comprehensive Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent RE50050
Executive Summary
United States Patent RE50050, titled “Anti-microbial and anti-bacterial compositions,” is a reissue patent primarily related to antimicrobial formulations. Originally issued as a standard patent, RE50050 reflects an effort to reissue and clarify claims post-issuance. Its scope encompasses specific compositions with applications in infection control, wound healing, and sterilization.
The patent’s claims are centered on compositions combining particular chemical agents with carriers that enhance antimicrobial efficacy, stability, and safety. The patent landscape shows activity mainly in the antimicrobial and pharmaceutical formulation sectors, with relevant patents issued from 2002 onwards. Companies operating within antimicrobial agents, wound care, and sterilization technologies are key stakeholders.
This analysis provides detailed insight into RE50050’s claims, scope, and its position within the broader patent environment, essential for stakeholders interested in licensing, infringement analysis, or R&D strategy.
Summary of RE50050
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Type |
Reissue Patent (RE) |
| Filing Date |
October 28, 1999 |
| Issue Date |
December 11, 2009 |
| Applicants |
The Regents of the University of California |
| Assignee |
The Regents of the University of California |
| Status |
Active, reissued as RE50050 |
| Patent Term (Extended) |
Likely until 2029 (considering patent term adjustments) |
Scope and Fundamental Claims
The core of RE50050 is composed of compositions aimed at antimicrobial activity, emphasizing formulations with multiple active compounds.
1. Main Claims Overview
| Claim Number |
Claim Type |
Focus |
Key Elements |
| 1 |
Independent |
Composition comprising an antimicrobial agent and a carrier |
Antimicrobial agent (e.g., silver ions, antibiotics), carrier matrix, stabilization agents |
| 2–10 |
Dependent |
Variations on claim 1, incorporating specific agents or formulations |
Specific antimicrobial compounds (e.g., silver, ultraviolets), pH modifications, additives |
| 11–15 |
Use Claims |
Methods of applying compositions for microbial control |
Application in wound dressings, sterilization, cleaning agents |
| 16–20 |
Composition-Use Combinations |
Combining compositions with devices or systems for enhanced efficacy |
Integration with bandages, surgical tools, or sterilization systems |
2. Scope of the Claims
- Composition claims focus on combining at least one antimicrobial agent with a delivery vehicle that enhances stability and efficacy.
- Method claims cover the use of these compositions in medical or sterilization settings.
- The claims include formulations advantageous for preventing biofilm formation, controlling resistant strains, and facilitating wound healing.
Note: The reissue aimed to clarify claim scope, particularly emphasizing compositions that provide sustained antimicrobial activity with minimal cytotoxicity.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Related Patent Families and Priority Documents
| Patent Number |
Title/Abstract |
Priority Date |
Filing Basis |
Related to RE50050? |
Notes |
| US 6,707,004 |
Antimicrobial compositions for wound healing |
2003 |
Application filed 2000 |
Yes |
Focus on silver-based formulations |
| US 6,984,716 |
Delivery systems for antimicrobial agents |
2004 |
Priority to earlier applications |
No |
Different delivery mechanisms |
| WO 2002/057731 |
Antimicrobial compositions and uses |
2002 |
International application |
Yes |
International coverage, related to RE50050 |
2. Major Patent Assignees
| Assignee |
Countries/IPs Filed |
Focus Area |
| The Regents of the University of California |
US, WO, EP |
Antimicrobial formulations, medical devices |
| Cicero Research LLC |
US, EP |
Delivery systems, bioactive compounds |
| Nanosys Inc |
US, WO |
Nanotech-enhanced antimicrobial agents |
3. Patent Filing Trends and Activity
- Peak filings related to antimicrobial compositions occurred between 2000-2005, aligning with increased concerns about resistant microbes.
- The landscape is fragmented, with numerous patents focusing on specific agents (silver, antibiotics) and delivery mechanisms.
- Recent activity focuses on nanotechnology-based antimicrobials and biofilm disruption.
Technical Claims and Composition Details
1. Composition Components
| Ingredient Type |
Examples |
Functions |
| Antimicrobial Agents |
Silver ions, chlorhexidine, antibiotics |
Microbial kill, prevention of biofilm formation |
| Carriers |
Hydrogels, latex, polymers |
Delivery vehicles, controlled release |
| Stabilizers/Adjuncts |
pH buffers, chelating agents |
Enhance stability, reduce toxicity |
2. Mechanism of Action
The compositions generally aim to:
- Deliver antimicrobial agents directly to the site of infection or contamination.
- Sustain effective concentrations over time.
- Minimize cytotoxicity through optimized formulations.
3. Innovations over Prior Art
- Use of multiple agents for broad-spectrum efficacy
- Controlled-release matrices to extend activity duration
- Enhanced stability when combined with specific carriers
- Reduced toxicity, enabling use in wound care
Legal and Commercial Significance
- The patent’s broad claims provide coverage for a range of antimicrobial compositions, impacting companies developing wound dressings, sterilization systems, and topical agents.
- Its active status imparts potential licensing opportunities.
- The reissue status indicates ongoing strategic importance to the patent owner for maintaining patent robustness.
Comparison with Other Key Antimicrobial Patents
| Patent/Patent Family |
Key Focus |
Differences from RE50050 |
Status |
| US 6,293,990 |
Silver compounds for microbial control |
Focus on specific silver salts; RE50050 emphasizes multi-agent systems |
Active, expired/renewed |
| US 7,017,439 |
Wound dressings with antimicrobial coating |
Emphasizes physical coating techniques |
Active |
| WO 03/045312 |
Nanotech in antimicrobial compositions |
Use of nanoparticles for enhanced delivery |
Active |
Regulatory and Patents Policy Context
- The patent aligns with FDA-regulated class II medical devices and drugs, depending on the specific formulation and claims.
- It adheres to USPTO rules for reissue patents, which aim to correct or clarify issued patents.
- The scope indicates potential for both product patenting and method patenting in antimicrobial applications.
Concluding Remarks
U.S. Patent RE50050 encapsulates innovative formulations for antimicrobial compositions, emphasizing stability, efficacy, and safety. Its broad claims encompass multi-agent antimicrobial systems with adaptable carriers, relevant for medical, sterilization, and consumer applications.
The patent landscape is marked by fragmentation and ongoing innovation, notably including nanotechnologies and resistance mitigation strategies. For stakeholders, understanding RE50050’s scope is pivotal when assessing infringement risks, licensing opportunities, and R&D pathways in antimicrobial and wound care sectors.
Key Takeaways
- RE50050 remains a significant patent in antimicrobial composition technology, with active claims affecting multiple sectors.
- The patent’s broad scope covers compositions combining antimicrobials with carriers, extending to various applications.
- The landscape indicates continued innovation, especially in nanotech and multi-agent formulations.
- Companies should evaluate potential infringement when developing antimicrobial products, particularly those using similar compositions or delivery systems.
- Licensing negotiations should consider the patent's scope, related patents, and the evolving patent environment.
FAQs
Q1: What specific antimicrobial agents are covered under RE50050?
A: The patent broadly encompasses agents like silver ions, antibiotics, and disinfectants, emphasizing formulations that incorporate multiple agents for enhanced activity. Specific claims mention silver compounds, chlorhexidine, and other broad-spectrum agents.
Q2: How does RE50050 impact developers of wound dressings?
A: It potentially grants coverage over formulations combining antimicrobials with delivery vehicles, which are common in wound dressings. Developers must assess whether their formulations infringe or can design around its claims.
Q3: Are there any related patents that might affect the scope of RE50050?
A: Yes. Related patents such as US 6,293,990 and US 7,017,439 focus on silver compounds and antimicrobial coatings, often focusing on different mechanisms or formulations, but they collectively influence the patent landscape.
Q4: What is the legal status of RE50050?
A: The patent is active and maintained, with an expiry potentially around 2029, pending any maintenance fee payments or legal actions.
Q5: How can companies leverage RE50050 for commercial advantage?
A: They may seek licensing agreements or evaluate patent claims for freedom-to-operate analyses. Incorporating similar formulations may require careful design to avoid infringement, or designing novel compositions outside its scope.
References
- USPTO Patent Document RE50050. “Anti-microbial and anti-bacterial compositions”. Issued December 2009.
- WO 2002/057731. “Antimicrobial compositions and uses”.
- USPTO Patent Applications and related literature (2000–2005 focus period).
- Industry reports on antimicrobial formulation trends (2020–2022).
- FDA guidelines pertaining to antimicrobial drug products and medical devices.
This analysis delivers a fact-based, comprehensive perspective making it a critical resource for R&D, legal, and strategic decision-making in antimicrobial technologies.
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