Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 10,683,499: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for inventors, researchers, and businesses to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property. This article will delve into the details of United States Patent 10,683,499, titled "Compositions and methods for modulating TTR expression," and provide a thorough analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Overview of the Patent
United States Patent 10,683,499, issued to Ionis Pharmaceuticals, pertains to compositions and methods for modulating the expression of transthyretin (TTR), a protein associated with various diseases, including amyloidosis and familial amyloid polyneuropathy[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent defines the boundaries of what is protected by the patent. For US Patent 10,683,499, the scope includes:
Compositions
The patent covers specific oligomeric compounds, particularly those conjugated to N-Acetylgalactosamine, designed to modulate TTR expression. These compositions are tailored to target the liver, where TTR is primarily produced, and other tissues such as the choroid plexus in the brain[4].
Methods
The patent also encompasses methods for using these compositions to reduce TTR levels. This includes administration routes, dosages, and treatment regimens aimed at managing TTR-related diseases.
Claims of the Patent
The claims section of a patent is critical as it defines the legal boundaries of the invention. Here are some key aspects of the claims in US Patent 10,683,499:
Independent Claims
Independent claims are standalone and do not rely on other claims. For this patent, independent claims typically describe the novel compositions and their use in treating TTR-related conditions.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon independent claims and provide additional specificity. These might include specific conjugate groups, administration methods, or patient populations.
Claim Structure
The claims are structured to ensure broad protection while maintaining specificity. For example, Claim 1 might describe a broad composition, while subsequent claims narrow down to specific embodiments, such as particular conjugate groups or dosing regimens[4].
Prior Art and Novelty
To be patentable, an invention must be novel and non-obvious. The prior art section of the patent application and the issued patent highlights existing knowledge in the field that the inventors have built upon.
Prior Art Keywords
Keywords such as "modified oligonucleotide," "nucleoside," and "compound" indicate the areas of prior art that the inventors have considered and differentiated their work from[4].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the broader patent landscape is essential for navigating potential infringement issues and identifying opportunities for innovation.
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, which can help in understanding how similar patents have been treated globally[1].
Related Patents
Other patents related to TTR modulation, such as WO-2010017509-A1, provide insights into the competitive landscape and potential areas for further innovation. These patents may cover different aspects of TTR modulation, such as targeting different tissues or using alternative compositions[5].
Search Tools and Resources
Several tools and resources are available to help in searching and analyzing patents:
Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool offers enhanced access to prior art and is a valuable resource for conducting thorough patent searches[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The CCD application consolidates citation data from multiple IP Offices, making it easier to visualize the prior art landscape for a particular invention[1].
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)
Local PTRCs provide training and resources for patent searching, which can be particularly useful for those new to patent research[1].
Economic and Research Implications
The Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO offers detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including those related to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. This dataset can help in analyzing trends and the scope of patent claims over time[3].
Patent Scope Measurements
Research papers such as "Patent Claims and Patent Scope" by Marco, Sarnoff, and deGrazia provide insights into measuring patent scope, which can be applied to understand the breadth and depth of protection offered by patents like US 10,683,499[3].
Legal Status and Expiration
The legal status of a patent, including its expiration date, is crucial for understanding the current and future landscape of intellectual property rights. US Patent 10,683,499 is currently active but will expire based on its filing and grant dates[4].
Conclusion
Understanding the scope and claims of US Patent 10,683,499 is vital for anyone involved in TTR-related research or development. By leveraging the resources provided by the USPTO and other international patent offices, one can navigate the complex patent landscape effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Compositions and Methods: The patent covers specific oligomeric compounds and methods for modulating TTR expression.
- Claims Structure: Independent and dependent claims define the legal boundaries of the invention.
- Prior Art: The patent differentiates itself from existing knowledge in the field.
- Patent Landscape: Global Dossier and related patents provide insights into the competitive landscape.
- Search Tools: Resources like Patent Public Search and CCD are essential for thorough patent searches.
- Economic Implications: The Patent Claims Research Dataset helps in analyzing trends in patent claims.
FAQs
What is the main subject of US Patent 10,683,499?
The main subject is compositions and methods for modulating transthyretin (TTR) expression.
How can I search for related patents globally?
Use the Global Dossier service and search databases from international patent offices like the EPO, JPO, and WIPO[1].
What tools are available for patent searching?
Tools include the Patent Public Search, Common Citation Document (CCD), and resources from Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)[1].
How do I determine the legal status of a patent?
Check the patent's details on the USPTO website or through the Patent Public Search tool[1].
What is the significance of the Patent Claims Research Dataset?
It provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, helping in analyzing trends and scope of patent claims over time[3].
Where can I find more information on patent scope measurements?
Refer to research papers such as "Patent Claims and Patent Scope" by Marco, Sarnoff, and deGrazia[3].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals - Patent Details: https://ir.ionis.com/static-files/57b8b6db-9f04-43b1-ac4e-163694c318fa
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US10683499B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10683499B2/en
- Unified Patents Portal - WO-2010017509-A1: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/WO-2010017509-A1
