Detailed Analysis of US Patent 6,051,567: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

Introduction

United States Patent 6,051,567, granted to Bristol-Myers Squibb on April 18, 2000, represents a significant intellectual property asset in the pharmaceutical sector. Covering a method of synthesizing a class of compounds, this patent provides critical claims relating to specific chemical entities and their potential therapeutic applications. Understanding the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape associated with this patent is pivotal for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive positioning.

Scope of US Patent 6,051,567

The patent's scope consolidates proprietary rights over a particular class of compounds, their synthesis, and therapeutic use. Specifically, the patent focuses on aromatic heterocyclic compounds with potential as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, or anticancer agents. The scope delineates detailed chemical structures, synthesis methodologies, and potential medical indications.

Chemical Scope

The patent claims multiple chemical subclasses, notably:

Fused aromatic heterocycles, specifically quinazolinone derivatives.
Variations in substitution patterns at defined positions, implying a broad coverage of chemical analogs.
Specific functional groups that modulate biological activity, such as halogens, alkyl groups, and other substituents.

This breadth ensures protection over existing compounds and close analogs that share core structural features. The detailed chemical formulas set limits on the scope, but the breadth is further expanded through multiple dependent claims.

Method of Synthesis

The patent also claims novel synthetic routes to obtain these compounds, emphasizing efficiency, selectivity, and high yields, which are essential for manufacturing scalability. It outlines specific reaction conditions, reagents, and intermediate compounds, strengthening its claim over process innovation.

Therapeutic Applications

While the primary claims are chemical and process-oriented, the patent broadly mentions medical utility, especially for antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatments, potentially extending protection to related medical indications.

Claims Analysis

Claims form the backbone of patent scope, defining enforceable rights. US Patent 6,051,567 contains independent claims that broadly cover the compounds and methods, while dependent claims specify particular embodiments or narrower chemical variants.

Independent Claims

Claim 1 – Covering a compound of the general Formula I, with precise definitions for variable groups. This claim broadly encompasses all compounds fitting the structural criteria, asserting rights over any derivative with the core fused aromatic heterocycle and specified substitutions.
Claim 2 – Encompasses a process for preparing the compounds outlined in Claim 1, focusing on the synthetic methodology.

Dependent Claims

Cover individual chemical species with specific substituents, such as particular halogenation patterns or alkyl groups.
Include specific reaction conditions, such as temperature ranges and reagents, providing fallback positions if broader claims are challenged.

Claim Strengths and Limitations

The broad independent claims effectively protect a wide range of compounds, discouraging competitors from developing similar molecules.
Dependent claims restrict the scope to specific embodiments, which can serve for enforcement and licensing purposes.
The claims do not extend explicitly to biological or pharmacological data, focusing instead on chemical structures and synthesis methods, which can be both an advantage (broader protection) and a challenge (limited to chemistry, not utility).

Patent Landscape and Competitive Context

US Patent 6,051,567 fits within a broader patent landscape centered around heterocyclic antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents. Several patents, both prior and subsequent, are relevant:

Prior Art and Foundation

The patent builds upon earlier antiviral compound patents, such as those covering quinazolinones and related heterocycles. References include prior art that depicted similar core structures or synthesis routes but lacked the specific claims and substitutions presented here.
The patent's priority date (application filed in 1996) places it in a competitive environment where multiple entities sought to patent similar compounds.

Subsequent Patents and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)

Post-grant, numerous patents have been filed claiming specific substitutions of the compounds, including for additional therapeutic indications or alternative synthetic routes, potentially challenging or circumventing the scope of US 6,051,567.
The patent landscape shows active patenting in both composition of matter and method of use, with many patent families operating in parallel.

Legal and Technical Challenges

The broad claims have faced evidence-based invalidity challenges regarding novelty or obviousness, particularly if prior art discloses similar chemical frameworks.
However, the patent has maintained enforceability, with limited litigation outcomes publicly disclosed[^1].

Implications for Industry Stakeholders

Innovators and Licensees: The patent's broad chemical and synthesis claims present significant barriers to entry in related therapeutic areas.
Generic Manufacturers: Must design around the core molecular structures or demonstrate non-infringement.
Patent Strategists: Should evaluate subsequent filings that attempt to carve out narrower niches or challenge the patent's validity.

Key Takeaways

US 6,051,567 offers broad coverage over specific heterocyclic compounds with potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory applications, crucial in the context of pharmaceutical innovation.
The patent’s strength lies in its comprehensive claims covering both chemical compounds and synthetic methods, but its scope is subject to legal and technical challenges based on prior art.
The surrounding patent landscape is dynamic, with competitors seeking to narrow or circumvent this patent through narrower claims or alternative structures.
Stakeholders should monitor subsequent patent filings, legal challenges, and licensing opportunities to navigate the evolving patent environment effectively.

FAQs

1. What is the primary chemical focus of US Patent 6,051,567?
The patent covers fused aromatic heterocyclic compounds, particularly quinazolinone derivatives, with various substitutions aimed at therapeutic utility.

2. Does the patent claim therapeutic use explicitly?
No, the claims primarily focus on chemical structures and synthesis methods; therapeutic applications are described as potential uses but are not explicitly claimed.

3. How broad are the claims of this patent?
The independent claims are broad, covering a wide class of structurally related compounds, but are limited by specific substitution patterns and the scope of the chemical formula disclosed.

4. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing this patent?
Developing compounds outside the specified chemical scope or with significantly different structures may avoid infringement, but careful freedom-to-operate analysis is necessary.

5. How does this patent fit within the current patent landscape?
It serves as a foundational patent for certain heterocyclic antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents, with subsequent patents building on or challenging its scope.

References

[1] USPTO Patent No. 6,051,567.

[2] Medical patents and legal jurisprudence on heterocyclic antiviral agents.

Title:	Low oxygen content compositions of 1α, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol
Abstract:	The invention relates to stable aqueous formulations comprising 1α, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, a unit dose system comprising the same in a sealed vessel, and a process for preparing them.
Inventor(s):	Kent Abrahamson, Amy N. Anderson, Haiyan Grady
Assignee:	AbbVie Inc
Application Number:	US09/365,533
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Formulation; Compound; Composition;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:	Detailed Analysis of US Patent 6,051,567: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape Introduction United States Patent 6,051,567, granted to Bristol-Myers Squibb on April 18, 2000, represents a significant intellectual property asset in the pharmaceutical sector. Covering a method of synthesizing a class of compounds, this patent provides critical claims relating to specific chemical entities and their potential therapeutic applications. Understanding the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape associated with this patent is pivotal for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive positioning. Scope of US Patent 6,051,567 The patent's scope consolidates proprietary rights over a particular class of compounds, their synthesis, and therapeutic use. Specifically, the patent focuses on aromatic heterocyclic compounds with potential as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, or anticancer agents. The scope delineates detailed chemical structures, synthesis methodologies, and potential medical indications. Chemical Scope The patent claims multiple chemical subclasses, notably: Fused aromatic heterocycles, specifically quinazolinone derivatives. Variations in substitution patterns at defined positions, implying a broad coverage of chemical analogs. Specific functional groups that modulate biological activity, such as halogens, alkyl groups, and other substituents. This breadth ensures protection over existing compounds and close analogs that share core structural features. The detailed chemical formulas set limits on the scope, but the breadth is further expanded through multiple dependent claims. Method of Synthesis The patent also claims novel synthetic routes to obtain these compounds, emphasizing efficiency, selectivity, and high yields, which are essential for manufacturing scalability. It outlines specific reaction conditions, reagents, and intermediate compounds, strengthening its claim over process innovation. Therapeutic Applications While the primary claims are chemical and process-oriented, the patent broadly mentions medical utility, especially for antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatments, potentially extending protection to related medical indications. Claims Analysis Claims form the backbone of patent scope, defining enforceable rights. US Patent 6,051,567 contains independent claims that broadly cover the compounds and methods, while dependent claims specify particular embodiments or narrower chemical variants. Independent Claims Claim 1 – Covering a compound of the general Formula I, with precise definitions for variable groups. This claim broadly encompasses all compounds fitting the structural criteria, asserting rights over any derivative with the core fused aromatic heterocycle and specified substitutions. Claim 2 – Encompasses a process for preparing the compounds outlined in Claim 1, focusing on the synthetic methodology. Dependent Claims Cover individual chemical species with specific substituents, such as particular halogenation patterns or alkyl groups. Include specific reaction conditions, such as temperature ranges and reagents, providing fallback positions if broader claims are challenged. Claim Strengths and Limitations The broad independent claims effectively protect a wide range of compounds, discouraging competitors from developing similar molecules. Dependent claims restrict the scope to specific embodiments, which can serve for enforcement and licensing purposes. The claims do not extend explicitly to biological or pharmacological data, focusing instead on chemical structures and synthesis methods, which can be both an advantage (broader protection) and a challenge (limited to chemistry, not utility). Patent Landscape and Competitive Context US Patent 6,051,567 fits within a broader patent landscape centered around heterocyclic antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents. Several patents, both prior and subsequent, are relevant: Prior Art and Foundation The patent builds upon earlier antiviral compound patents, such as those covering quinazolinones and related heterocycles. References include prior art that depicted similar core structures or synthesis routes but lacked the specific claims and substitutions presented here. The patent's priority date (application filed in 1996) places it in a competitive environment where multiple entities sought to patent similar compounds. Subsequent Patents and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Post-grant, numerous patents have been filed claiming specific substitutions of the compounds, including for additional therapeutic indications or alternative synthetic routes, potentially challenging or circumventing the scope of US 6,051,567. The patent landscape shows active patenting in both composition of matter and method of use, with many patent families operating in parallel. Legal and Technical Challenges The broad claims have faced evidence-based invalidity challenges regarding novelty or obviousness, particularly if prior art discloses similar chemical frameworks. However, the patent has maintained enforceability, with limited litigation outcomes publicly disclosed[^1]. Implications for Industry Stakeholders Innovators and Licensees: The patent's broad chemical and synthesis claims present significant barriers to entry in related therapeutic areas. Generic Manufacturers: Must design around the core molecular structures or demonstrate non-infringement. Patent Strategists: Should evaluate subsequent filings that attempt to carve out narrower niches or challenge the patent's validity. Key Takeaways US 6,051,567 offers broad coverage over specific heterocyclic compounds with potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory applications, crucial in the context of pharmaceutical innovation. The patent’s strength lies in its comprehensive claims covering both chemical compounds and synthetic methods, but its scope is subject to legal and technical challenges based on prior art. The surrounding patent landscape is dynamic, with competitors seeking to narrow or circumvent this patent through narrower claims or alternative structures. Stakeholders should monitor subsequent patent filings, legal challenges, and licensing opportunities to navigate the evolving patent environment effectively. FAQs 1. What is the primary chemical focus of US Patent 6,051,567? The patent covers fused aromatic heterocyclic compounds, particularly quinazolinone derivatives, with various substitutions aimed at therapeutic utility. 2. Does the patent claim therapeutic use explicitly? No, the claims primarily focus on chemical structures and synthesis methods; therapeutic applications are described as potential uses but are not explicitly claimed. 3. How broad are the claims of this patent? The independent claims are broad, covering a wide class of structurally related compounds, but are limited by specific substitution patterns and the scope of the chemical formula disclosed. 4. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing this patent? Developing compounds outside the specified chemical scope or with significantly different structures may avoid infringement, but careful freedom-to-operate analysis is necessary. 5. How does this patent fit within the current patent landscape? It serves as a foundational patent for certain heterocyclic antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents, with subsequent patents building on or challenging its scope. References [1] USPTO Patent No. 6,051,567. [2] Medical patents and legal jurisprudence on heterocyclic antiviral agents. More… ↓ ⤷ Get Started Free

Details for Patent: 6,051,567

Summary for Patent: 6,051,567