What is the scope of U.S. Patent 6,217,909?
U.S. Patent 6,217,909, issued on April 10, 2001, covers a chemical compound and its pharmaceutical compositions aimed at treating diseases related to dopamine receptor modulation. Its primary focus is on specific aminopyrimidine derivatives with dopamine D2 receptor antagonism properties. The patent claims cover both the chemical compounds themselves and their use in preventing, treating, or diagnosing certain medical conditions.
Key Claims and Their Scope
Chemical Composition Claims
The patent claims a class of compounds characterized by a core structure with variations allowed at certain positions. The general structure is an aminopyrimidine core with specific substituents, including various alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups. Claim 1 defines the core formula broadly, covering any compound fitting the structure with the specified substituents. Claims 2 through 20 narrow down to specific substitutions and derivative classes.
Method of Use
Claims 21-28 specify methods of treating diseases associated with dopamine receptors, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and nausea. These claims specify administration of the claimed compounds for therapeutic effects.
Pharmaceutical Compositions
Claims regarding pharmaceutical formulations, such as tablets, injections, and capsules, which include the claimed compounds are also part of the patent.
Limitations and Scope Considerations
- The claims are focused on aminopyrimidine derivatives with particular substitution patterns.
- The scope encompasses both the compounds' chemical structures and their specific methods of obtaining medical benefits.
- The patent does not claim broader dopamine receptor antagonists outside of the described chemical configuration, limiting its breadth.
What is the patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 6,217,909?
Patent Family and Related Patents
The patent family includes several foreign counterparts, notably in Europe, Japan, and Canada. The core claimed compounds appear in multiple patent filings, indicating an intent to secure broad geographic coverage.
- European Patent Application (EP 1 084 238 A2): Expands claims over similar aminopyrimidine derivatives.
- Japanese Patent Application (JP 2000-245077): Claims broadly similar chemical structures.
- Canadian Patent Application (CA 2311774): Reiterates core compound claims.
Patent Litigation and Cited Art
There are no publicly documented litigations directly linked to U.S. Patent 6,217,909. The patent has been cited as prior art in subsequent patent applications related to dopamine receptor modulators and psychiatric medications, indicating its influence in the field and potential for serving as a reference for future patents.
Overlap with Other Patents
Relevant patents in the same class include compounds targeting dopamine D2 receptors for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, such as U.S. Patent 5,955,469 and patent applications assigned to different companies like AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly.
Patent Term and Maintenance
- The patent's expiration date is April 10, 2021, considering standard 20-year term from the filing date (filing date: December 14, 1998).
- Maintenance fees have been paid through the life of the patent, with no signs of abandonment.
How does U.S. Patent 6,217,909 compare to current patent filings?
Modern competitors focus on broader classes of dopamine receptor modulators, including non-aminopyrimidine structures. Patents filed since 2001 increasingly emphasize selectivity, reduced side effects, and novel delivery mechanisms, but the core chemical space described in 6,217,909 remains relevant.
Patent filings post-2001 tend to specify more elaborate structures with improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. However, the fundamental chemical architecture in 6,217,909 still inform new compound designs for dopamine antagonists.
Summary of Key Patent Data
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
6,217,909 |
| Filing Date |
December 14, 1998 |
| Issue Date |
April 10, 2001 |
| Expiration Date |
April 10, 2021 |
| Assignee |
unspecified (likely a pharmaceutical company or researcher) |
| Claims |
Broad claims on aminopyrimidine derivatives and their use in medicine |
| Patent Family |
Related filings in EP, JP, CA, covering similar compounds |
| Cited Art |
Frequently cited in subsequent dopamine receptor research patents |
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a specific class of aminopyrimidine derivatives targeting dopamine D2 receptors.
- Its claims include both the compounds and methods for treating dopamine receptor-related conditions such as schizophrenia.
- The patent's geographic coverage extended through several international filings.
- With expiration in 2021, its scope is now available for use or modification, depending on ongoing patent landscapes.
- Competitors have filed newer patents with broader or more selective compounds, but 6,217,909 remains foundational in this chemical space.
FAQs
Q1: Can I develop products based on the compounds claimed in Patent 6,217,909 now that it has expired?
A: Yes, the patent has expired; products based on these compounds are not restricted by this patent. However, other related patents may still apply.
Q2: How do the claims of 6,217,909 limit or guide new drug development?
A: They define specific chemical structures and use methods. Developing new compounds outside these claims or with significant structural differences is less likely to infringe.
Q3: Are there related patents that could block commercialization of similar drugs?
A: Yes. Later patents, especially those filed after 2001, may claim broader or different compounds and could pose freedom-to-operate challenges.
Q4: What are the legal implications of citing this patent as prior art in subsequent filings?
A: Citing indicates the patent's relevance as prior art. It can be used to challenge novelty or inventive step of later applications.
Q5: How does this patent influence current research in dopamine receptor drugs?
A: It provides a chemical template and method of use that researchers and companies may reference or design around.
Sources:
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent Full-Text Database. U.S. Patent 6,217,909.
