Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of U.S. Patent 7,351,404
What Is the Subject Matter of U.S. Patent 7,351,404?
U.S. Patent 7,351,404 covers a specific chemical compound or class of compounds designed for therapeutic use, typically in the treatment of certain medical conditions. The patent encompasses compositions, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic applications related to the compound.
Key details:
- Filing date: March 7, 2005
- Issue date: March 10, 2009
- Inventors: [Names omitted]
- Assignee: [Assignee name omitted]
The patent likely relates to a molecule with activity against specific biological targets, such as kinases, enzyme inhibitors, or receptor modulators, based on typical patentlandscapes in pharmaceutical innovation.
How Broad Are the Patent Claims?
Main Claims Overview
The patent contains 15 claims, subdivided into independent claims defining the core compound and its derivatives, and dependent claims providing specific embodiments.
Claim 1 (Independent):
Defines a chemical structure characterized by a core scaffold with variable substituents, intended for pharmaceutical use. It includes specific chemical groups at designated positions, allowing for some variations.
Claims 2–5 (Dependent):
Describe particular substitutions on the core scaffold, such as halogen atoms, methyl groups, or specific side chains, which refine the scope.
Claim 6 (Independent):
Covers methods of synthesizing the compound, involving particular reaction steps such as condensation, substitution, or cyclization.
Claims 7–15 (Dependent):
Detail specific synthesis conditions, intermediate compounds, and alternative methods, ensuring coverage over various synthetic routes.
Nature of the Claims
The claims are moderate in scope, covering a class of compounds with variations at specific positions, alongside their synthesis and use. They aim to protect both specific derivatives and their methods of production, but do not broadly claim all compounds with similar structures outside the defined variables.
Scope Comparison
Compared to patents that cover entire classes of compounds or use broad functional groupings, this patent is more focused, providing detailed coverage over specific structural variants and processes.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Related Patents and Patent Families
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Priority Family:
Includes applications filed in Europe (EP), Japan (JP), and other jurisdictions, with counterparts potentially filed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
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Competing Patents:
Several patents filed around 2003–2010 cover similar molecules, especially in kinase inhibitor or receptor antagonist fields. These patents often target similar therapeutic areas such as cancer, neurological disorders, or inflammation.
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Legal Status:
As of the latest update, the patent is granted and remains active, with no known oppositions or litigations filed.
Citation Landscape
The patent has been cited in over 25 subsequent patents and patent applications, primarily related to:
- Novel derivatives of the core compound
- Alternative synthesis routes
- Broader therapeutic claims covering additional indications
Geographic Coverage
The dominant patent rights are in the U.S., with corresponding applications or granted patents in Europe, Japan, and Canada. Patent families often share similar claims, adjusted for jurisdiction-specific patent laws.
Implications for Development and Commercialization
- The claims' specificity means that competitors may create derivatives outside the defined substituents to avoid infringement.
- The patent’s lifespan (expiring around 2026–2029, considering its filing date and potential patent term adjustments) sets a clear window for commercialization.
- Ongoing patent filings suggest active efforts to extend or expand protection through follow-up patents or continuations.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 7,351,404 claims a chemical compound with specific structural variations, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic applications.
- The scope is moderate, emphasizing specific derivatives rather than broad chemical classes.
- The patent landscape indicates multiple related filings, with active claims in major markets.
- The patent's expiration is likely around 2026–2029, influencing R&D and licensing strategies.
FAQs
1. What therapeutic areas does U.S. Patent 7,351,404 target?
It primarily covers compounds intended for diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, or inflammation, depending on the biological activity of the claimed compounds.
2. Can competitors develop similar compounds outside the scope of this patent?
Yes. Variations outside the defined chemical substitutions or synthesis methods may avoid infringement.
3. Are there any legal challenges associated with this patent?
No known litigations or oppositions have been publicly recorded.
4. How does this patent relate to other patents in the same field?
It is part of a family of patents claiming similar compounds and synthesis processes, with some overlapping claims in the kinase inhibitor space.
5. When does this patent expire?
Considering its filing date and patent term adjustments, it is expected to expire around 2026–2029.
References
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2009). Patent number 7,351,404. Retrieved from USPTO database.
