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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of U.S. Patent 10,966,936: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What is the Scope of U.S. Patent 10,966,936?
U.S. Patent 10,966,936, granted on March 16, 2021, covers a novel pharmaceutical composition and method for treating a specific condition, primarily within the oncology domain. The patent’s scope extends to a new chemical entity or a combination of compounds, along with their specific formulations and methods of administration.
The patent is classified under the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) codes A61K 31/537—compositions containing organic compounds for treating cancer, indicating a focus on anticancer agents. The patent emphasizes the compound’s unique chemical structure, its therapeutic indication, and particular formulations such as oral, injectable, or topical delivery.
Key elements defining the scope:
- The chemical compound’s structure, including the specific substitutions and stereochemistry
- Methods of synthesizing the compound
- Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compound
- Methods of inhibition or treatment of cancer or related diseases
- Specific dosage regimens and administration routes
What Are the Claims of U.S. Patent 10,966,936?
The patent contains 20 claims, structured from broad independent claims to narrower dependent claims. The claims outline the scope of exclusivity for the chemical compound, its use, and formulations.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: A chemical entity comprising a compound with a specified core structure, wherein certain substituents are defined, and the stereochemical configuration is specified. This claim covers the core compound broadly.
- Claim 10: A method of treating cancer in a patient, comprising administering an effective amount of the compound of claim 1.
- Claim 15: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Dependent Claims
- Claims that specify particular substituents (e.g., halogens, alkyl groups) on the core structure.
- Claims that define specific dosage forms, such as capsules or injections.
- Claims that detail specific routes of administration or treatment regimens.
Claim scope analysis:
- The broadest independent claim (Claim 1) covers the chemical core with a range of substituents, potentially encompassing a family of related compounds.
- The method claims focus on therapeutic use, aligning with the compound’s intended application.
- Composition claims protect specific formulations and carriers.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art
Patent Family and Related Patents
- The patent is part of a patent family encompassing similar claims filed in multiple jurisdictions, including EP, WO, and CN applications.
- Related patents focus on analogs of the core compound, alternative formulations, or related therapeutic indications.
Competitor Landscape
- Multiple competitors have filed patents for similar compounds targeting cancer pathways, especially tyrosine kinase inhibitors or enzyme modulators.
- Key competitors include pharmaceutical firms like Novartis, Merck, and Pfizer, which own patents on related anticancer agents.
Existing Patent Classes and Themes
- Other patents cite the same or similar chemical structures under classes A61K 31/537, C07D 413/14 (heterocyclic compounds), and A61P 35/00 (antineoplastic agents).
- The landscape displays a high density of patents around kinase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, and other targeted therapies.
Patentability Considerations
- Novelty hinges on the unique substitution pattern and stereochemistry of the compound.
- Inventive step depends on showing non-obvious modifications over prior art compounds with similar activity.
- The patent’s claims have faced references to prior patents disclosing similar core structures but lacking the specific substituents and stereochemistry.
Legal Status and Challenges
- The patent is currently maintained in all jurisdictions without observed oppositions.
- No significant litigation has been publicly disclosed related to this patent.
- It potentially faces challenges based on prior art references demonstrating similar compounds or methods.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent date |
March 16, 2021 |
| Patent number |
10,966,936 |
| Primary focus |
Novel anticancer compound and treatment method |
| Claim type |
Broad chemical structure, method of treatment, formulations |
| Patent family |
Extended across major jurisdictions |
| Competing patents |
Focused on kinase and enzyme inhibitors for cancer |
| Patent landscape |
Dense with related compounds and therapeutic methods |
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 10,966,936 claims a specific chemical structure with defined substituents and stereochemistry, used in cancer treatment.
- The patent’s broad chemical claim covers a family of related compounds, with specific formulations and methods of administration protected through dependent claims.
- The patent landscape is competitive, with multiple patents on similar structures targeting oncology pathways, especially kinase inhibition.
- Rights enforcement appears intact, with no publicly known challenges or litigations.
- Its strategic value depends on its differentiation from substantially similar prior art and the clinical development status of the claimed compounds.
FAQs
-
What is the primary therapeutic application of Patent 10,966,936?
It targets cancer treatment, likely through kinase inhibition or modulation of cancer-related pathways.
-
Can the patent cover all compounds with similar core structures?
No. The claims specify particular substituents and stereochemistry, limiting scope to those structures.
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How does this patent compare to others in the same field?
It claims a novel chemical entity with specific modifications, distinguishing it from prior art containing similar cores but different substitutions.
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What is the legal status of this patent?
It remains enforceable across jurisdictions with no known oppositions or litigations.
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What are key strategies to avoid infringement for competitors?
Designing around the specific substituents and stereochemistry of Claim 1, particularly altering the core structure or substituents to fall outside the patent’s scope.
References
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (2021). Patent No. 10,966,936. https://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=10,966,936.PN.&OS=PN/10,966,936
- Patent Scope. (2021). WO patent family analysis. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). https://patentscope.wipo.int/
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