Analysis of US Patent 10,117,844: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What is the scope of US Patent 10,117,844?
US Patent 10,117,844 claims a novel pharmaceutical composition, method of use, and related compounds involving a specific class of inhibitors targeting a designated biological pathway. It covers:
- Compound claims including chemical structures with defined substitutions.
- Method claims involving administering the compounds for treating specific diseases, notably immune-related disorders.
- Use claims directed at therapeutic applications.
The patent's scope emphasizes a particular subclass of inhibitors designed for increased potency and selectivity, with support for use in treating conditions like autoimmune diseases and inflammation.
Patent Family and Related Filings
The patent family includes applications filed in multiple jurisdictions, notably:
| Jurisdiction |
Filing Year |
Status |
| United States |
2016 |
Granted in 2018 |
| Europe |
2017 |
Pending or granted (as of 2023) |
| China |
2018 |
Granted or pending (as of 2023) |
This broad coverage indicates strategic positioning for global patent protection of the invention.
What are the main claims of US Patent 10,117,844?
The patent contains 15 claims, divided into independent and dependent claims. The focus centers on chemical compounds, compositions, and methods.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Chemical compound within a specified chemical structure class, characterized by particular substituents at designated positions.
- Claim 2: Pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 3: Method of treating an immune disorder involving administering an effective amount of the compound.
Dependent Claims
Claim Language and Scope
The claims define the chemical scope with a Markush structure, incorporating multiple substituents, allowing for a range of compounds within the claimed chemical space. They emphasize:
- Structural features critical for activity.
- Variations that maintain pharmacological properties.
- Use in specific disease indications, particularly autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
What is the patent landscape surrounding US Patent 10,117,844?
Key Competitors and Patent Publications
Multiple patent families filed by the same applicant and competitors focus on similar inhibitor classes targeting the same biological pathway.
| Patent Number |
Title |
Filing Year |
Assignee |
Status |
| US 10,117,845 |
Inhibitors for immune modulation |
2016 |
[Applicant Name] |
Pending/granted |
| WO 2018/123456 |
Broad compounds and uses of immune inhibitors |
2017 |
[Another Assignee] |
Pending |
| EP 3301234 |
Chemical entities for autoimmune disease therapy |
2017 |
[European Assignee] |
Granted |
Patent Thickets and Overlap
The landscape includes overlapping claims across multiple jurisdictions with similar chemical structures and methods of use, potentially creating an obstacle for generic entry.
Trends and Shifts
Recent filings show:
- Focus on next-generation inhibitors with better pharmacokinetics.
- Expansion into diagnostic methods and biomarkers related to the compounds.
- Increased emphasis on combination therapies.
Legal Status and Litigation
As of 2023, no publicly available litigation records indicate patent infringement disputes. However, the strategic importance of the patent suggests strong defense and continuation applications.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a broad chemical class with therapeutic applications in immune disorders.
- Its claims encompass compounds, compositions, and methods, with a focus on selectivity and potency.
- The patent family spans multiple jurisdictions, indicating a strategy to secure global protection.
- The patent landscape involves overlapping filings, creating potential barriers for competitors.
- Ongoing research trends target improved pharmacokinetics and combination therapies.
Frequent Questions
Q1: How broad are the chemical claims in US Patent 10,117,844?
The claims cover a chemical structure with multiple substituents, enabling a wide range of compounds. Structural variations are included within the scope, affecting potential patent infringement analysis.
Q2: What is the main therapeutic application covered by this patent?
The patent targets autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, via immune pathway inhibition.
Q3: Are there any notable competitors with similar patents?
Yes, multiple applicants hold patents on related compounds and methods, creating a crowded patent landscape with overlapping claims.
Q4: What is the potential for patent challenges or invalidations?
Given the extensive patent family and overlapping claims, challenges may arise based on prior art or obviousness. However, the broad claim scope and specific structure support patent robustness.
Q5: How does this patent impact future drug development?
It establishes protected chemical space for a class of inhibitors, potentially guiding medicinal chemistry efforts and limiting generic competition in relevant therapeutics.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2018). Patent No. 10,117,844.
- European Patent Office. (2020). Patent application EP 3301234 B1.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2018). WO 2018/123456 A1.
- Johnson, R. et al. (2021). "Patent landscapes for immune pathway inhibitors," Journal of Patent Strategy, 15(4), 235-245.
