Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 10,213,415
Introduction
United States Patent 10,213,415, titled "Compounds as opioid receptor modulators," is a patent that introduces novel compounds and methods for their preparation, specifically targeting opioid receptors. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US10213415B2
- Authority: United States
- Prior Art Date: The patent is based on earlier applications, but the specific prior art date is not explicitly mentioned in the provided source[4].
Invention Description
The patent describes novel opioid receptor modulators, which are compounds designed to interact with opioid receptors in the body. These modulators are intended to have therapeutic applications, potentially treating conditions related to opioid receptor activity.
Scope of the Invention
Compounds and Their Structure
The patent details a series of compounds with specific structural formulas, such as those described in Formula (I). These compounds include various functional groups like phenyl, dimethyl, methyl, hydroxy, and alkyl, which are crucial for their interaction with opioid receptors[4].
Methods of Preparation
The invention also includes methods for preparing these compounds. This involves a series of chemical reactions and synthesis steps that result in the formation of the desired modulators.
Claims Analysis
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the broad scope of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding additional limitations.
- Independent Claims: These typically describe the general structure of the compounds and the methods for their preparation.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims by specifying particular aspects, such as specific functional groups or synthesis steps.
Claim Coverage and Scope Concepts
To understand the full scope of the patent, it is essential to analyze the claims in the context of scope concepts. This involves categorizing the claims not just by their individual elements but also by the overarching concepts they represent. For example, claims might be grouped based on the type of opioid receptor they target or the specific therapeutic application they are intended for[3].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape for opioid receptor modulators is complex and includes numerous other patents and applications. To fully understand the position of US10213415B2, one must conduct a thorough search using tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search or international databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet or the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE[1].
Global Dossier and International Filings
Using the Global Dossier service, one can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This helps in identifying the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at different IP Offices, along with their dossier, classification, and citation data[1].
Prior Art and Citation Analysis
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application is useful for consolidating prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application. This helps in visualizing the search results for the same invention produced by several offices on a single page[1].
Competitive Analysis
Market and Therapeutic Applications
Understanding the competitive landscape involves analyzing other patents and products in the market that target opioid receptors. This includes looking at the therapeutic applications, efficacy, and safety profiles of competing compounds.
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
Using patent analytics tools, such as those described by Schwegman, one can create a Claim Coverage Matrix to identify which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property. This also helps in spotting gaps or opportunities in the current coverage and highlights future design opportunities[3].
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Infringement Claims and Licensing
The patent holder must be aware of the legal and regulatory framework surrounding infringement claims and licensing. This includes understanding the clauses and procedures outlined in subparts like 227.70 of the DFARS, which prescribe policy and procedures for processing licenses, assignments, and infringement claims[5].
Stakeholder Engagement
Public Comments and Consultative Groups
Engaging with stakeholders, such as academic experts and legal practitioners, is crucial for understanding the broader implications of the patent. For instance, the study on a small claims patent court by ACUS involved extensive public comments and input from a consultative group of experts[2].
Key Takeaways
- Compounds and Methods: The patent introduces novel opioid receptor modulators and methods for their preparation.
- Claims Analysis: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is crucial for determining the scope of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: Conducting a thorough search of related patents and applications is essential for positioning the patent within the broader landscape.
- Competitive Analysis: Analyzing market and therapeutic applications, as well as using patent analytics, helps in identifying gaps and opportunities.
- Legal Considerations: Being aware of the legal framework surrounding infringement claims and licensing is vital.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 10,213,415?
The main focus of US10213415B2 is on novel opioid receptor modulators and methods for their preparation.
How can one analyze the claims of this patent?
Claims can be analyzed by categorizing them based on individual elements and overarching scope concepts, and using tools like Claim Coverage Matrix.
What tools are available for searching related patents?
Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international databases such as esp@cenet and PATENTSCOPE are available.
Why is stakeholder engagement important for this patent?
Stakeholder engagement helps in understanding the broader implications and legal considerations surrounding the patent.
How does patent analytics help in competitive analysis?
Patent analytics helps in identifying gaps and opportunities in the current coverage, highlighting future design options, and determining the value of patent claims.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO
- ACUS: U.S. Patent Small Claims Court
- Schwegman: Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law
- Google Patents: US10213415B2 - Compounds as opioid receptor modulators
- Acquisition.gov: SUBPART 227.70 INFRINGEMENT CLAIMS, LICENSES, AND ...
