United States Patent 10,005,783: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
The United States Patent 10,005,783, titled "Method of treatment using substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine compounds," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the treatment of various diseases. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, numbered US10,005,783B2, was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Prior Art and Background
The patent involves compounds useful in the synthesis of treatments for pain, cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The background section of the patent highlights the need for effective treatments for these conditions and the limitations of existing therapies.
Claim Structure
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects:
Independent Claims
- The patent includes independent claims that describe the specific compounds and their uses. For example, Claim 1 defines a compound with a specific chemical structure and its application in treating diseases[4].
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims further specify the invention by detailing particular aspects of the compounds, such as specific substituents, dosages, and methods of administration.
Scope of the Patent
Chemical Compounds
The patent focuses on substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine compounds. These compounds are described in detail, including their chemical structures and the methods for their synthesis. The scope includes various derivatives and analogs of these compounds, which are useful in treating a range of diseases[4].
Therapeutic Applications
The patent covers the use of these compounds in treating several diseases, including:
- Cancer: Specifically, breast cancer, neuroblastoma, glioma, and other types of tumors.
- Pain: The compounds are indicated for the treatment of pain, which can be associated with various conditions.
- Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory properties of the compounds are highlighted.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: The patent mentions the potential use in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
- Trypanosoma cruzi Infection: The compounds are also useful in treating infections caused by this parasite[4].
Claim Analysis
Claim Language and Metrics
The claim language is crucial in defining the patent scope. Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure patent scope. Research suggests that narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Specific Claims
- Claim 1: Defines the core compound and its therapeutic use.
- Dependent Claims: Specify various aspects such as dosage forms (e.g., tablets, syrups), methods of administration, and specific disease targets.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape includes other patents and applications related to pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine compounds. For instance, other patents may cover similar compounds or different therapeutic applications. The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO can help identify related applications and their status across different IP offices[1].
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites prior art related to the synthesis and therapeutic use of similar compounds. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can provide a consolidated view of prior art citations from multiple IP offices, helping to understand the broader context of the invention[1].
Search and Examination Process
Tools and Resources
The USPTO provides several tools and resources for searching and examining patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS). These tools can help in understanding the patent's position within the existing body of prior art[1].
Examination Data
The PEDS system allows users to search, view, and download bibliographic data for patent applications, including those related to this patent. This can provide insights into the examination process and any office actions that may have been taken[1].
Legal and Policy Considerations
Patent Quality and Scope
The debate on patent quality and scope is relevant here. The patent's claims must be clear, specific, and not overly broad to avoid issues of validity and litigation. Research indicates that narrower claims are often associated with higher grant rates and shorter examination times[3].
Potential for Litigation
The scope and claims of the patent can impact its vulnerability to litigation. A well-defined scope helps in avoiding disputes over patent infringement and validity. The study on small claims patent courts highlights the need for efficient mechanisms to resolve patent disputes, which could affect patents like this one[2].
Key Takeaways
- Specific Compounds: The patent focuses on substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine compounds.
- Therapeutic Applications: Covers treatments for cancer, pain, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
- Claim Structure: Includes independent and dependent claims defining the scope of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: Part of a broader landscape of related patents and applications.
- Search and Examination: Utilizes USPTO tools like Patent Public Search and PEDS.
- Legal Considerations: Narrow claims are crucial for patent quality and avoiding litigation.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 10,005,783?
A: The patent covers methods of treatment using substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine compounds.
Q: What diseases are targeted by the compounds described in the patent?
A: The compounds are useful in treating cancer, pain, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
Q: How can one search for related patents and applications?
A: The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool and the Global Dossier service can be used to identify related applications.
Q: What metrics can be used to measure the scope of a patent?
A: Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure patent scope.
Q: Why are narrower claims important in patent applications?
A: Narrower claims are associated with higher grant rates, shorter examination times, and reduced litigation risks.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Google Patents - US10005783B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10005783B2/en
