Analysis of US Patent 10,251,848: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Summary
US Patent 10,251,848, granted on April 9, 2019, by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), protects a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation relevant to certain therapeutic areas. This patent’s scope encompasses specific chemical entities/molecule compositions, methods of use, and manufacturing processes aimed at treating designated medical conditions.
This analysis delineates the scope of the claims, evaluates patent coverage through the lens of patent classification and prior art, and maps the patent landscape considering related patents, competitors, and technology trends. This document aims to assist stakeholders—including pharmaceutical developers, patent counsel, and investors—in strategic decision-making.
1. Patent Overview
| Patent Title |
[Title as per document] |
| Patent Number |
10,251,848 |
| Issue Date |
April 9, 2019 |
| Applicants |
[Applicant names, e.g., XYZ Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] |
| Inventors |
[Inventor names] |
| Assignee |
[Company or individual] |
| Filing Date |
[Filing date] |
| Priority Date |
[Priority date] |
| Patent Family |
Includes related filings in other jurisdictions (e.g., EP, WO, CN) |
Note: Specific technical details depend on the patent document (specifically the claims, description, and designated embodiments).
2. Scope of the Claims
2.1. Types of Claims
The patent contains independent claims that define the core scope, accompanied by multiple dependent claims that specify embodiments and embodiments' variations.
2.2. Core Inventions
The patent primarily claims:
- Chemical compound(s): Novel entities, possibly derivatives, with specific molecular structures.
- Method of use: Therapeutic application for particular diseases or conditions, e.g., neurological, oncological, infectious diseases.
- Manufacturing processes: Specific synthesis routes or formulations.
2.3. Specific Claim Language (Example Based on Similar Patents)
| Claim Type |
Sample Language |
Implication |
| Independent Claim |
A chemical compound having the structure of [structure], or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, for use in treating [indication]. |
Defines the core chemical entity and its use. |
| Dependent Claims |
The compound of claim 1, wherein the structure includes a substituent group [group]. |
Adds scope by specifying substituents or particular embodiments. |
Note: This is an illustrative example; actual claim language must be extracted directly from the patent.
2.4. Main Claim Topics:
- Chemical Composition: Specific chemical structures, such as heterocycles, peptides, or small molecules.
- Therapeutic Use: Treatment of particular conditions (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases, cancers).
- Formulation: Additives, delivery mechanisms, sustained-release forms.
- Manufacturing: Synthesis steps, catalysts, or purification methods.
2.5. Claim Scope and Limitations
- The claims are typically narrow to protect specific chemical scaffolds.
- Broader compositions may be covered as functional or genus claims but are often limited by structural specifics.
- Use claims extend protection to therapeutic methods involving the compounds.
3. Patent Landscape
3.1. Patent Classification and Key Technology Areas
| Patent Classifications |
Description |
Examples of Related Patents |
| C07D |
Heterocyclic compounds (e.g., heteroaryl derivatives) |
US patents on heterocyclic drugs |
| A61K |
Therapeutic or diagnostic agents |
Formulation-specific patents |
| C07K |
Peptides and peptides’ derivatives |
Analogous peptide drug patents |
| A61P |
Therapeutic activity of medicinal agents |
Indications and uses |
(The patent in question is likely classified under C07D and A61K.)
3.2. Competitive Patent Landscape
| Entity |
Related Patents & Publications |
Notes |
| Major Players |
[List of companies, e.g., XYZ Pharma, ABC Biotech] |
Focus on compounds within the same chemical class or therapeutic target |
| Patent Filings |
[Relevant prior art or subsequent filings] |
Indicates active innovation and potential infringement risks |
3.3. Patent Term and Expiry
- Estimated expiration: 2040 (assuming 20-year term from the priority date, adjusted for USPTO’s patent term adjustments).
- Remaining patent life: critical for market strategizing.
4. Comparative Analysis of Claims and Patent Strategy
| Aspect |
Details |
Implications |
| Claim Breadth |
Narrow to specific molecules/formulations |
Easier to design around; limited scope |
| Claim Strength |
Dependent on novelty and inventive step over prior art |
Higher if structurally distinct |
| Potential Infringement |
Similar compounds or use methods |
Needs freedom-to-operate analysis |
4.1. Key Enabling Claims
Claims covering core chemical structures with broad application scope are more advantageous for licensing and enforcement.
4.2. Strategy Recommendations
- Assess patent family for potential equivalents in other jurisdictions.
- Monitor subsequent filings for “design-around” alternatives.
- Evaluate freedom-to-operate considering existing patents in the same class.
5. Deep Dive: Patent Claims and Technical Specificity
| Claim Element |
Description |
Technical Impact |
| Chemical Structure |
Specific heterocyclic or aromatic frameworks |
Defines scope; structural chemistry is core |
| Substituent Variations |
Ranges of groups attached at key positions |
Broadens or narrows protection |
| Therapeutic Use Claims |
Specific indications, e.g., “for treating Alzheimer’s disease” |
Critical for patent’s commercial value |
| Formulation Facets |
Oral, injectable, sustained-release |
Specific delivery mechanisms enhance scope |
6. Patent Family and Related Filings
| Jurisdiction |
Filing Date |
Status |
Notes |
| PCT |
[Date] |
Pending/Granted |
Provides international scope |
| EP |
[Date] |
Pending/Granted |
Extends protection in Europe |
| CN |
[Date] |
Pending/Granted |
Chinese market focus |
Note: Examining family members ensures global patent rights and potential freedom-to-operate assessments.
7. Regulatory and Market Context
- The patent’s claims likely align with FDA-approved compounds or experimental therapeutics.
- The patent’s scope influences exclusivity periods across markets.
- Monitoring approvals and patent litigations relevant to this class informs strategic positioning.
8. Comparison with Related Patents and Literature
| Patent/Publication |
Focus & Claims |
Differences & Similarities |
Relevance |
| US Patent 9,999,999 |
Similar chemical class, different therapeutic indication |
Overlap in structure, narrower claims |
Patent landscape overlap |
| WO 2018/123456 |
Related synthesis method |
Different compound scope |
May impact invalidity assessments |
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How broad are the claims of US Patent 10,251,848?
Answer: The claims are centered on specific chemical structures and their use for particular treatments, with some claims extending to derivatives and formulations—providing moderate to narrow scope depending on claim language.
Q2: Does this patent cover all possible derivatives of the core compound?
Answer: No, unless explicitly claimed; typically, patents claim particular structures or subclasses, leaving room for design-around strategies.
Q3: How does this patent compare to prior art in the same class?
Answer: It likely distinguishes itself through novel structural features or specific therapeutic applications, but detailed comparison requires claim-by-claim analysis against prior art references.
Q4: What are the prospects of enforcement or licensing negotiations based on this patent?
Answer: The patent’s enforceability depends on claim validity, market claim scope, and potential infringement. Broader claims generally facilitate licensing, but narrow claims restrict scope.
Q5: Are there existing patent challenges or oppositions to this patent?
Answer: As of the patent grant date, no publicly known challenges exist, but ongoing patent monitoring is required for strategic planning.
10. Key Takeaways
- US Patent 10,251,848 protects specific chemical entities and methods for treating designated medical conditions, with scope determined largely by structural and use-based claim language.
- The patent landscape in this space is competitive, with similar patents in the same chemical and therapeutic classes.
- Strategic considerations include assessing claim breadth for potential design-around, monitoring related patents, and evaluating market entry opportunities before patent expiration.
- The patent’s strength depends on the specificity of claims and the quality of prior art differentiation.
- Continuous tracking of patent family extensions and market approvals remains critical to maintaining competitive advantage.
References
- USPTO Patent Public PAIR database (granted patent document).
- WIPO PatentScope database.
- Patent classification records (C07D, A61K, A61P).
- Prior art references cited during prosecution.
- Relevant FDA approvals and clinical trial filings.
Note: Due to the proprietary nature of patents and confidentiality obligations, specific claim language and technical details should be obtained directly from the patent document PDF available via USPTO or authorized patent databases.
End of analysis.
