Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 10,344,036
Introduction
United States Patent 10,344,036, titled "Processes for the preparation of (3S,4R)-3-ethyl-4-(3H-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrrolo[2,3-e]pyrazin-8-yl)-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxamide and solid state forms thereof," is a patent that covers specific chemical processes and compounds. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
The patent, assigned the number US10344036B2, was granted on June 4, 2019. It pertains to the synthesis and solid state forms of a particular compound, (3S,4R)-3-ethyl-4-(3H-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrrolo[2,3-e]pyrazin-8-yl)-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxamide, which is likely intended for pharmaceutical use given its complex chemical structure.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific processes and compounds that are protected.
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that can be categorized into several types:
- Process Claims: These claims describe the specific methods for preparing the compound. For example, the patent details various synthetic routes, including the use of specific reagents and reaction conditions[4].
- Compound Claims: These claims cover the chemical structure of the compound itself, including its stereochemistry and any solid state forms (e.g., polymorphs or salts)[4].
- Use Claims: While not explicitly stated in the provided snippet, use claims might be included if the patent specifies particular applications or uses of the compound, such as therapeutic uses.
Patent Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
Independent claims are crucial as they define the broadest scope of protection. For US10344036B2, these claims would typically include the most general descriptions of the processes and compounds. For instance:
- Claim 1 might describe the general process for synthesizing the compound.
- Claim 2 might describe the compound itself, including its stereochemical configuration.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding additional limitations to the independent claims. These could include specific reaction conditions, reagents, or intermediate compounds involved in the synthesis.
Patent Scope Metrics
Research on patent scope often uses metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count to assess the breadth of a patent. A study on patent scope metrics suggests that narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Prior Art and Citation Analysis
The patent landscape includes an analysis of prior art and citations. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, for example, consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices, helping to visualize the citation data for a patent family[1].
For US10344036B2, prior art keywords include terms related to the compound, such as "freebase," "dosage form," and "solid state." These keywords indicate the areas where the patent is positioned within the broader patent landscape.
International Patent Landscape
The patent is part of a global patent family, and its scope can be understood by looking at related applications filed in other countries. Tools like the Global Dossier and searchable databases from international intellectual property offices (e.g., EPO, JPO, WIPO) can provide insights into how this patent fits into the global intellectual property landscape[1].
Practical Implications
Understanding the scope and claims of US10344036B2 is crucial for several stakeholders:
- Inventors and Researchers: To avoid infringement and to identify areas for further innovation.
- Industry Players: To assess the competitive landscape and potential licensing opportunities.
- Legal Professionals: To advise clients on patent validity, infringement, and enforcement strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Processes and Compounds: The patent protects specific synthetic routes and the resulting compound, including its solid state forms.
- Scope Metrics: Narrower claims are generally associated with a higher grant probability and shorter examination process.
- Global Context: The patent is part of a broader global patent family, with related applications in other countries.
- Practical Use: Understanding the patent's scope is essential for inventors, industry players, and legal professionals to navigate the intellectual property landscape.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 10,344,036?
A: The patent covers processes for preparing the compound (3S,4R)-3-ethyl-4-(3H-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrrolo[2,3-e]pyrazin-8-yl)-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxamide and its solid state forms.
Q: How can I search for related patents internationally?
A: You can use tools like the Global Dossier, European Patent Office's esp@cenet, Japan Patent Office's database, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE® Search Service[1].
Q: What are the implications of narrower claims in a patent?
A: Narrower claims are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process compared to broader claims[3].
Q: How can I determine the prior art related to this patent?
A: Use the Common Citation Document (CCD) application to consolidate prior art cited by multiple patent offices[1].
Q: Where can I find additional resources for patent searching?
A: You can visit the USPTO Public Search Facility, contact your local Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), or use online resources like the Patent Public Search tool[1].
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 - US10344036B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10344036B2/en
- Unified Patents Portal - US-20240317770-A1: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20240317770-A1
